The Evolving Threat of Narcotics Smuggling: A Non-Traditional Security Challenge in Southeast Asian Border States

Traditional military threats have given way to non-traditional security (NTS) issues, including human security, as the essence of international security has changed. Narcotics smuggling is a major NTS concern that presents a huge burden, especially in border regions. Covering an area of around 4.4 million square kilometers, Southeast Asia is home to the "Golden Triangle," an infamous center for the production of drugs that is situated near the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. These locations have facilitated the growth of extensive drug smuggling operations. The dangers of drug smuggling as a NTS concern in border states are examined in this paper. The research examined the effects of drug trafficking on regional security utilizing a qualitative methodology with realism as the theoretical framework. The results show that drug smuggling poses serious security threats to Southeast Asia, especially via marine routes that cross the Malacca Strait between Indonesia and Malaysia. Smugglers mostly operate at night and use advanced techniques, such as GPS-equipped drug packages and using fishermen as couriers. This smuggling route continues to exist due to several factors, such as the close proximity of territorial waters, the existence of unofficial and illegal ports, the lack of surveillance patrols, and the difficulties in maintaining law enforcement professionalism in border areas. Stronger regional collaboration, increased marine security, and better law enforcement strategies are needed to address these problems and lessen the growing menace of drug smuggling in Southeast Asia.