Context:

There is an urgent need to include chemical substances in Chemical Weapons Convention and limit access to non-state actors.

The Threat of Chemical Weapons in the WMD Spectrum 

• Poor Man’s Nuclear Weapon
  • Chemical weapons, often referred to as the “poor man’s nuclear weapon,” pose a significant threat within the spectrum of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Their accessibility is heightened due to the easier availability of raw materials and the open knowledge of dual-use technologies, making them more attainable than radiological and nuclear weapons. This accessibility is a concern for governments striving to limit non-state actors' access to such weapons.
• Modern Chemical Weapons and Warfare
  • The modern use of chemical weapons and chemical warfare has deep historical roots, intertwined with the use of poisons in military conflicts. Although World War I is notably associated with the widespread use of chemical weapons, the use of toxins in warfare dates back much further.

Global Governance of Chemical Weapons

• Limitations of the Chemical Weapons Convention and Ongoing Threats
  • The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), with 193 signatories, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have made significant strides in eliminating chemical weapons, with all declared stockpiles reportedly destroyed. However, the threat from non-state actors and covert state-sponsored use of toxic chemicals remains a serious concern.
  • The consequences of non-state actors acquiring chemical weapons are severe, including mass casualties and long-term health effects, which can destabilize international security regimes. While the CWC is foundational, it is not sufficient to address all threats.
• Global Objectives to Combat Chemical Terrorism
  • In 2004, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 1540 to prevent the proliferation of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons.
  • Subsequent resolutions, such as Resolution 2325 in 2016 and Resolution 2663 in 2022, aimed to enhance these efforts. The 86th Session of the OPCW's Executive Council in 2017 marked a significant shift towards addressing chemical terrorism more comprehensively.

Persistent and Future Threats

• Ongoing Risk of Chemical Weapons
  • Despite these efforts, chemical weapons remain a threat. Instances of chemical terrorism, such as the use of a VX nerve agent by a North Korean agent in Malaysia in 2017, and the use of weaponized chlorine gas in Syria in 2018, highlight the ongoing risks. The poisoning of Sergei Skripal in the UK in 2018 using "Novichok" further underscores this threat.
• The Growing Threat of Fentanyl
  • Fentanyl, a highly addictive synthetic opioid, has been linked to numerous overdose deaths in the US and poses a growing weaponization threat by non-state actors. Despite efforts to limit its use, its misuse is evident, such as in the 2002 Russian military's deployment during a hostage situation.
  • Significant amounts of illicit fentanyl in the US come from Mexico and China. Though international controls exist, fentanyl is excluded from the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), leading to proposals to classify it as a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) due to its severe impact.
• Rise of Substance Abuse
  • In times of warfare, substance abuse can also rise, as seen in Ukraine in 2024, where civilians turned to drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl due to shortages of food and medicine.
• Challenges in Enforcement and International Cooperation
  • Unlike traditional chemical weapons, which are primarily state-controlled, narcotics are trafficked globally through complex illicit networks. This poses challenges in enforcement, verification, and international cooperation necessary to monitor and prevent their misuse.

India’s Stance on Chemical Weapons and Narcotics

• India, a signatory to the CWC, established the Chemical Weapons Convention Act of 2000, forming the National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC). However, like other CWC signatories, India does not include synthetic drugs like fentanyl under its regulations.
• Historically, various natural agents with medicinal properties have been used as poisons in warfare, illustrating the dual nature of these substances. Including synthetic drugs in the CWC could help reduce not only drug trafficking but also the trafficking of other weapons.

Path Forward

• Including fentanyl and other synthetic drugs in the CWC can help address the dual threat of drug trafficking and chemical weapon use. This would involve the NACWC in India taking stock of the impact of synthetic drugs and the potential for weaponization.
• The inclusion of narcotics under the CWC would necessitate amendments to accommodate the unique characteristics and challenges associated with these substances, ensuring that measures are balanced to address security concerns without unduly restricting legitimate medical and scientific activities.
• International efforts must focus on enhancing national legislation, export controls, and border security, while promoting information sharing and intelligence cooperation. Engaging in capacity-building and technical assistance, as well as strengthening international cooperation, are crucial steps.
• Balancing the imperatives of disarmament, public health, and national security will require concerted efforts by states, international organizations, and civil society to explore viable solutions and mitigate risks associated with the misuse of narcotics.
• Furthermore, international consensus and legal definitions would need to be established to differentiate between legitimate medical use and illicit trafficking intended for harmful purposes.

Conclusion

Addressing the threat of weaponizable chemicals requires a multifaceted approach, including legislative measures, international cooperation, and robust security frameworks. By including synthetic drugs like fentanyl in the CWC, the international community can better prevent their misuse in warfare and limit access to non-state actors. This comprehensive strategy is essential for enhancing global security and mitigating the threat of chemical terrorism.

Source: ORF