New Delhi: India has witnessed a sharp 53% increase in narcotics cases registered by law enforcement agencies in 2025, the highest rise in at least five years, according to the Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) Annual Report 2025.
The report reveals that drug law enforcement agencies registered 148,063 cases and made 183,675 arrests in 2025, leading to the seizure of 1,240 tonnes of narcotics valued at ₹18,227 crore.
Cannabis products accounted for 51% of the total seizures, followed by opiates such as heroin, opium, morphine, codeine, and poppy straw at 29%.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the government's three-year Vision Document on Drug Control (2026-2029), vowing to intensify the crackdown on drug trafficking networks while strengthening measures to curb drug abuse.
Shah emphasized the need for a ruthless approach towards drug traffickers while maintaining a sympathetic approach towards affected youth.
The report identified four major drug trafficking corridors into India, including the Golden Crescent, the Golden Triangle, the Indian Ocean maritime route, and the Balkan route.
Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat remain the main entry points for heroin, opium, and hashish from the Golden Crescent, while Manipur and Mizoram receive methamphetamine, heroin, and Yaba tablets from the Golden Triangle.
