Contraband and Smuggling

Overview

Contraband smuggling involves the illegal movement and distribution of prohibited goods, bypassing established legal and regulatory systems via both land and maritime routes. Regional law enforcement agencies have reported a surge in contraband smuggling via sea routes, often disguised as legitimate cargo. The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) remains a hotspot for narcotics trafficking and related maritime offences, particularly in the notorious Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent areas.

Among the most concerning aspects of this illicit activity is the trafficking of drugs, which has become a significant threat, contributing to addiction, crime, and devastating impacts on public health, employment, and overall well-being. In recent years, there has also been a noticeable proliferation of Latin American cannabinoids, further complicating the drug trade landscape.

The instances have been geographically grouped under four distinct regions, namely West Asia (138), East Africa (41), South Asia (317), and Southeast Asia (701), to delve into region-specific dynamics and trends.

Contraband smuggling incidents recorded during 2025 have been classified into nine categories:

Drugs (346), Domestic Products (248), Fuel (126), Natural Resources (108), Tobacco (126), Wildlife (101), Alcohol (104), Weapons (25) and Others (13).

Comprehensive Intelligence

Structured analysis of maritime security incidents across the Indian Ocean Region

Comparative Overview

Key Insight: 1197 incidents recorded in 2025, 10% higher than 1,047 in 2024

In 2025, 1197 incidents of Contraband Smuggling were recorded across the IOR, slightly higher than the 1,047 incidents monitored in 2024 with an average of 96 monthly seizures. These incidents are categorised into Drugs, Domestic Products, Natural Resources, Fuel, Tobacco, Alcohol, Weapons and Wildlife analysed across West Asia, East Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Regional Shift Focus

Key Insight: Shift toward synthetic drug production and sophisticated trafficking routes observed in 2025

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In 2025, the Centre recorded a total of 346 instances of drug seizures. A slight increase compared to 2024(335). Amphetamine-Type Substances (ATS) were the most frequent seizures, accounting for 196 cases, followed by Cannabinoids (99), Opioids (32) and Cocaine (15). Other incidents included 63 seizures of undertermined drug types. The IOR continued to experience significant drug trafficking activity, particularly originating from the Golden Crescent and Goldern Triangle. The seizures of Hashish, Heroin, and Cannabis at sea spiked, wherein seizures of Opioids increased by more than tenfold (from 478 kg in 2024 to 6,004 kg in 2025).

Emerging Barter Trend

Key Insight: Smugglers using barter trade to move synthetic drugs

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There are signs of a possible new trend in drug smuggling along the Bangladesh coast, where smugglers might be using barter trade to move synthetic drugs like Yaba (Methamphetamine). According to IFC-IOR data, authorities made 35 interceptions where domestic products such as cement, medicines, iron rods,, fertilizers, flowers and Soft Drinks were reportedly being moved illegally off the Bangladesh coast. At the same time, large quantities of Methamphentamine/ Yaba, reportedly over 3.5 million packets/ pills, were seized, suggesting that these drugs could be entering Bangladesh in exchange for domestic products. While this remains a speculative pattern, it highlights how smugglers may be innovating in their methods. Media reports, also note that the Coast Guard seized cement and medicines during alleged drug smuggling through barter trade.