Crackdown on Drug Trafficking Continues

Punjab has seen a steady decline in drug-related cases over the past three years, yet it still recorded the second-highest number of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2024, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

NDPS Cases in Punjab Over the Years

• 2022: 12,423 cases
• 2023: 11,564 cases
• 2024: 9,025 cases

Despite this decline, Punjab remains one of the most affected states, following Kerala, which reported the highest number of NDPS cases in India.

Crackdown on Drug Smuggling in Punjab

As part of its anti-drug drive, the Punjab government launched a statewide crackdown on narcotics this month, leading to:

• 1,072 cases registered
• 1,485 individuals arrested

Kerala Leads in NDPS Cases

Kerala has consistently recorded the highest NDPS cases in India:

• 2022: 26,918 cases
• 2023: 30,715 cases
• 2024: 27,701 cases

At the national level, India reported 1,02,769 NDPS cases in 2022, 1,09,546 in 2023, and 89,913 in 2024.

Border Smuggling a Major Concern

Punjab’s location near the international border makes it a target for cross-border smuggling of:

• Narcotics
• Weapons and ammunition
• Fake currency

Authorities have reported an increase in the use of drones for drug trafficking from Pakistan.

• In early 2025, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized 35 kg of narcotics and neutralized over 45 drones along the Pakistan border.

Government’s Anti-Drug Measures

To tackle the drug menace, the government has introduced several initiatives:

1. Four-Tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) – Strengthening cooperation between central and state law enforcement agencies.
2. Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) – Headed by senior officers to monitor and execute anti-drug operations.
3. Railway Protection Force (RPF) Empowered – Now authorized under the NDPS Act to prevent drug trafficking via railway routes.
4. Task Force on Darknet & Cryptocurrency – Tracks illegal drug transactions and monitors online narco-trafficking platforms.

Conclusion

While Punjab has witnessed a drop in NDPS cases, it remains one of the most affected states. The government’s crackdown on drug networks and cross-border smuggling is crucial to tackling the issue. With enhanced surveillance, law enforcement coordination, and advanced tracking technologies, authorities aim to curb drug trafficking effectively in the region.