Drug menace is a significant problem in India, affecting both urban and rural areas. The availability and consumption of various kinds of drugs have been on the rise, posing a severe threat to the youth population. The drug trade is a multi-billion dollar industry, with international and national drug cartels involved in its supply and distribution. The problem of drug abuse is not limited to any particular state or region and has spread across the country. The most commonly abused drugs in India include marijuana, hashish, heroin, cocaine, and synthetic drugs like methamphetamine. The use of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes has also become a growing concern.
The Government of India has taken several steps to address the issue of drug abuse and trafficking. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was set up as the nodal agency for drug law enforcement in the country. The Government has also implemented the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, which provides stringent punishment for drug offenders. The Government has also initiated awareness programmes and rehabilitation centres for drug addicts. However, the problem persists due to the vastness of the country, the difficulty in controlling the porous borders, and the high demand for drugs.
The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has rightly urged anti-narcotics officers from across India to adopt a “ruthless” approach towards drug smugglers and treat users as victims. During a two-day conference, he called for a “top-to-bottom” and “bottom-to-top” approach to dismantle the entire network of drug smugglers, including international or national drug networks, from the point of origin to local retailers. The minister rightly pointed out that drug trafficking is a national problem, hindering the country’s development and making it hollow, and must be fought collectively, as such states have to keep political differences aside to make India drug-free.
Practically, 70 percent of total drug trafficking is conducted through maritime routes. According to recent statistics from the NCB, the number of drug-related cases registered in India increased by 181 percent. During the same period, the total number of arrests also increased by almost 300 percent. Additionally, the amount of seized drugs increased from 152,000 kg between 2006 and 2013 to 373,000 kg between 2014 and 2022. The NCB’s annual report for 2022 highlights an increase in drug trafficking through couriers or parcels, with 118 detected in 2019, 374 in 2020, 268 in 2021, and 279 in the previous year. These are not mere figures but a matter of serious concern with catastrophic effects.
Joint operations with international agencies to disrupt the supply chain of drugs are carried out from time to time. With drones being used in the border belt for narcotics smuggling, further strengthening border security and surveillance to prevent the entry of drugs into the country is the need of the hour. Setting up anti-narcotics task forces (ANTFs) in every state and union territory to coordinate with central agencies and deal with all drug-related matters is a top priority. Regular raids and seizures of drugs, along with arrests of drug traffickers and smugglers, are now a regular feature.
Our own Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with the drug menace. Factually, with a long border and Pakistan being the main hub of narcotics, Jammu and Kashmir has become a transit area for drugs.
Despite numerous measures, narcotics smuggling remains a significant problem. The Government continues to work towards strengthening its efforts to counter the drug menace. Combined efforts are the key to this fight.
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