NDPS Cases in Punjab Drop, But State Still Ranks Second in 2024

Punjab has witnessed a decline in Narcotics, Drugs, and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act cases over the last three years. However, it still reported the second-highest number of drug-related cases in India in 2024.

According to data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Punjab registered 9,025 NDPS cases in 2024, a decrease from 11,564 in 2023 and 12,423 in 2022. Despite the drop, Punjab moved up from the third to the second position in NDPS-related cases, previously overtaken by Maharashtra in 2022 and 2023.

Kerala Tops the List of NDPS Cases

Kerala remains the state with the highest number of NDPS cases:

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

At the national level, India saw a decline in overall drug-related cases, with 1,02,769 cases in 2022, 1,09,546 in 2023, and 89,913 in 2024.

Crackdown on Drug Trafficking in Punjab

In response to the growing concern over drug abuse, the Punjab Government launched an extensive crackdown in March 2025. In just 11 days, Punjab Police registered 1,072 drug-related cases and arrested 1,485 individuals involved in narcotics smuggling.

Border Security Concerns

Being a border state, Punjab remains vulnerable to cross-border drug smuggling from Pakistan. Narcotics, along with contraband such as weapons, ammunition, and fake currency, are trafficked using various methods, including drones. In 2025, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized over 35 kg of drugs along the Punjab-Pakistan border and neutralized 45 Pakistani drones attempting to smuggle narcotics into India.

Government Measures to Combat Drug Trafficking

The central government has implemented a four-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism to strengthen coordination between central and state agencies. Other key measures include:

• Anti-Narcotics Task Force: Headed by senior police officials, it ensures strict enforcement of NDPS laws.
• Darknet and Cryptocurrency Task Force: Focuses on tracking and intercepting online drug networks.
• Empowering Security Forces: Agencies like BSF, Assam Rifles, and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have been authorized to conduct search, seizure, and arrests along India’s borders under the NDPS Act.
• Railway Protection Force’s Role: Now empowered to monitor and prevent drug trafficking via railway routes.

Conclusion

Despite Punjab’s efforts in reducing NDPS Act cases, the state remains one of the worst affected regions in India. With increasing threats from cross-border smuggling and darknet drug networks, authorities continue to intensify crackdowns to curb the drug menace.