India is facing an intensifying narcotics challenge marked by the rapid spread of synthetic drugs, technology-enabled trafficking, and deeper penetration of transnational cartels. According to recent reports, drug seizures increased by nearly 55% in 2024, signalling both rising supply and improved enforcement. The shift from traditional plant-based drugs to synthetics has significantly altered the threat landscape.
Reasons for Rising Drug Abuse in India
1. Synthetic Drug Proliferation
Synthetic narcotics such as methamphetamine, fentanyl, and nitazenes are easier to manufacture, conceal, and transport than natural drugs. In 2024 alone, over 700 kg of methamphetamine was seized in Gujarat, highlighting India’s growing role in synthetic drug networks.
2. Geographical Vulnerability
India lies between the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan–Pakistan–Iran) and the Golden Triangle (Myanmar–Laos–Thailand), making it a natural transit and destination hub. In 2024, 3,132 kg of narcotics were seized off the Gujarat coast, underscoring maritime smuggling risks.
3. Technology-Enabled Trafficking
The use of the dark web, encrypted messaging platforms, and cryptocurrency payments has enabled anonymous drug trade and doorstep delivery, complicating law-enforcement detection.
4. Cartel Penetration and Chemical Diversion
Global drug cartels increasingly exploit India’s large pharmaceutical and chemical sector to source precursors. The discovery of a methamphetamine lab linked to the Jalisco cartel in Greater Noida (2024) illustrates the scale of international involvement.
5. Social Vulnerabilities
Youth unemployment, mental stress, and peer pressure increase susceptibility to substance abuse. India recorded approximately 58,000 drug-linked deaths in 2019, accounting for nearly 17% of global drug-related deaths, indicating the human cost of the crisis.
India’s Actions Against Drug Abuse
- NDPS Act, 1985: Criminalises production, possession, trafficking, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- Border & Maritime Surveillance: Deployment of drones, sensors, and patrol vessels; 294 Pakistani drones were intercepted in Punjab in 2024.
- Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD): Integrates intelligence sharing among central and state agencies; 1,200+ inter-agency operations coordinated since 2022.
- International Cooperation: Active engagement with UNODC, FATF, and INTERPOL to track trafficking routes and financial flows.
Way Forward
- Harm-Reduction Approach: Treat addiction as a public-health issue rather than solely a criminal offence; Portugal’s model reduced drug deaths by over 70%.
- Precursor Chemical Controls: Strengthen monitoring of pharmaceutical supply chains using integrated tracking systems.
- Tech-Driven Policing: Use AI-based drone detection, crypto-asset tracing, and social-media analytics.
- Financial Disruption: Target money laundering, hawala channels, and cartel financing through FATF-aligned financial intelligence.