Drugs – Punjab Faces New Challenge as Pharmaceutical Opioid Abuse Expands Rapidly
Drugs – Punjab is witnessing a significant shift in its drug abuse pattern, with pharmaceutical opioids emerging as a growing concern alongside traditional narcotics. A new report released by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) highlights that the state recorded the country’s highest seizure of codeine-based cough syrup last year, indicating a sharp rise in the misuse of legally manufactured medicines.
Pharmaceutical Drugs Become a Major Concern
The report, unveiled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, states that medicines such as Buprenorphine, Tramadol and Alprazolam are increasingly being diverted into illegal markets. Their widespread availability through pharmacies that fail to follow regulatory norms has made these medicines an easily accessible alternative for people struggling with opioid addiction.
Officials warned that the growing misuse of pharmaceutical drugs represents a new phase in India’s battle against narcotics, requiring stronger monitoring and stricter enforcement across the healthcare supply chain.
Record Drug Seizures Across India
According to the NCB, drug enforcement agencies registered more than 1.48 lakh cases during the year, the highest ever recorded. Authorities also seized over 1,200 tonnes of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals, reflecting the expanding scale and complexity of illegal drug networks.
The report also expressed concern over the emergence of highly potent synthetic opioids, including nitazenes, which are believed to be hundreds of times stronger than heroin. At the same time, global cocaine production has reached unprecedented levels, adding fresh pressure to international anti-drug efforts.
Punjab Remains at the Centre of Heroin Smuggling
Punjab continued to account for a substantial share of heroin seizures in India. Authorities recovered 2,086 kilograms of heroin in 2025, representing nearly 58 percent of the national total of 3,269 kilograms.
Drone-assisted smuggling remained another major challenge along the India-Pakistan border. Of the 305 drone-related drug trafficking cases reported nationwide, Punjab alone accounted for 298 incidents. Nearly 461 kilograms of narcotics were seized in these operations, including approximately 450 kilograms of heroin and around nine kilograms of methamphetamine.
Afghan Supply Changes Create New Risks
The report noted that Afghanistan’s ban on poppy cultivation in 2022 resulted in a dramatic decline in opium production. However, existing stockpiles are expected to continue supporting illegal trafficking well into 2026.
Officials explained that trafficking networks have not disappeared despite reduced production. Instead, they have adapted by using existing supply chains for other illegal substances, including amphetamine-type stimulants. Smuggling methods have also evolved, with greater reliance on drones to bypass security measures along international borders.
Myanmar Emerges as a Key Source
The NCB observed that Myanmar has now overtaken Afghanistan as the world’s leading source of illicit opium. Ongoing conflict, political instability and economic difficulties have contributed to expanding cultivation in the region.
India’s porous border with Myanmar and the Free Movement Regime continue to create opportunities for traffickers. The report warned that narcotics smuggling through the Northeast is increasingly linked with illegal arms trafficking and the financing of militant organisations.
Methamphetamine remains a major concern from the Golden Triangle region, with Mizoram recording the highest seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants, followed by Manipur, Delhi, Gujarat and Karnataka.
Digital Platforms Add Fresh Enforcement Challenges
Investigators also highlighted the growing use of encrypted messaging applications for drug trafficking. Among these, Telegram has emerged as a major platform where illegal sellers advertise products, publish prices and arrange deliveries.
The report noted that smartphone accessibility has made such platforms easier to use than traditional darknet markets. Features such as disappearing messages, multiple user accounts and cryptocurrency payments continue to complicate law enforcement efforts.
Cannabis Continues to Lead National Seizures
Cannabis remained the most commonly seized drug category across the country, with authorities recovering more than 633 tonnes during the year, an increase from the previous year. Opiates accounted for approximately 361 tonnes of total seizures, while pharmaceutical drugs contributed over 237 tonnes. Amphetamine-type stimulants, cocaine and other synthetic substances represented a comparatively smaller share of overall recoveries.