SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded seizures of more than 32,000 kilograms of narcotic substances over the past four years, with enforcement agencies confiscating large quantities of opium-based and cannabis-based drugs each year, according to data placed in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The year-wise figures show that agencies seized 19,345 kg of drugs in 2022, 10,307 kg in 2023, 5,219 kg in 2024 and 4,019 kg in 2025 up to November.
Data compiled by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) indicates that opium-based drugs accounted for the bulk of recoveries in the Union Territory, followed by cannabis-based substances, while seizures of cocaine and synthetic drugs remained comparatively low.
In 2022, enforcement agencies seized 17,493 kg of opium-based drugs and 1,848 kg of cannabis-based drugs in Jammu and Kashmir, along with 4 kg of synthetic drugs.
In 2023, seizures stood at 8,927 kg of opium-based drugs, 1,379 kg of cannabis-based drugs, 1 kg of cocaine and 0.16 kg of synthetic substances.
In 2024, recoveries declined further to 3,676 kg of opium-based drugs and 1,540 kg of cannabis-based drugs, with 3 kg of synthetic drugs seized.
During 2025, up to November, agencies reported seizures of 2,062 kg of opium-based drugs and 1,957 kg of cannabis-based drugs. No cocaine or synthetic drug seizures were reported during the period.
The figures were shared in response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha regarding narcotics seizures and anti-drug enforcement across states.
The Ministry stated that the NCB regularly conducts joint operations with State and Central Drug Law Enforcement Agencies to ensure coordinated action against trafficking syndicates. However, separate consolidated data on the number of trafficking networks or modules busted through joint operations is not maintained year-wise or state-wise.
The Government informed Parliament that multiple measures have been taken to curb narcotics trafficking, particularly across international borders and coastal areas. Border guarding forces including the BSF, Assam Rifles and SSB have been empowered under the NDPS Act to carry out search, seizure and arrest operations.
It added that Director General-level talks are being held with neighbouring and other countries to address cross-border drug trafficking and strengthen international cooperation. Technological interventions, including surveillance and monitoring systems, are also being used to detect smuggling routes.
The data reflects continued enforcement activity in Jammu and Kashmir, with agencies maintaining year-round operations against narcotics smuggling and illegal distribution networks.
