SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir has witnessed a significant surge in arrests related to narcotics smuggling, with a total of 13,186 individuals detained between 2019 and 2024, the government informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.
The number of arrests began at 1,700 in 2019 and gradually increased to 1,769 in 2020. In 2021, the arrests reached 2,217, followed by 2,755 in 2022. The figure further rose to 3,072 in 2023 before slightly dropping to 1,673 in 2024, based on provisional data. These arrests reflect the region’s continued efforts to combat the growing narcotics issue.
Regarding convictions, Jammu & Kashmir reported a modest number of cases over the past six years. In 2019, there was one conviction, with no further convictions in 2020. A single conviction was recorded in 2021 and 2022, while no convictions were reported in 2023. The region saw one conviction in 2024, according to data from the National Crime Bureau (NCB).
The government of India said it has been actively working to curb the movement and smuggling of narcotic substances nationwide. Over the past five years, the authorities have implemented various measures to enhance surveillance and law enforcement. These include initiatives like the Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) efforts to strengthen border security, intelligence-sharing, and operational coordination with various agencies, such as the Customs Department and Border Guarding Forces. The government has also established a National Narcotics Helpline, “MANAS,” and continues to run awareness programmes on drug abuse and trafficking.
In addition to operational strategies, the government has emphasised capacity building for drug law enforcement agencies, such as the creation of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs) in every state and union territory.
