Punjab Faces 'Dangerous Second Wave' of Pharma Opioids
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) annual report for 2025, released on Friday, highlights a sharp rise in the diversion of pharmaceutical cough syrup for abuse in Punjab. The state recorded the seizure of 8,95,508 codeine-based cough syrup bottles in 2025, the highest among all Indian states. The report describes this trend as a 'dangerous second wave' of drug abuse in the state, where pharma opioids have become an accessible substitute for traditional narcotics.
Punjab's Central Role in Heroin and Drone Trafficking
According to the report, Punjab accounted for 2,085.55 kg of heroin seizures, representing 58% of the total 3,567 kg seized nationwide in 2025. This reaffirms the state's 'central role' in trafficking from the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan-Pakistan-Iran corridor). Additionally, Punjab recorded 289 out of 305 drone-based drug trafficking cases (about 97.7%) along the India-Pakistan border, with 468 kg of drugs (mainly heroin) seized via drones in 2025. Drone incidents surged from just 3 in 2021 to 305 in 2025—a 100-fold increase.
Shift Toward Smaller Heroin Consignments
While heroin seizure quantities declined, the number of cases increased in 2025, indicating a shift toward smaller, more frequent consignments. The NCB report attributes this to lesser availability and intensified enforcement. The Golden Crescent remains the primary source, with heroin being a highly addictive opioid derived from morphine.
Pharma Drug Diversion on the Rise
The report notes a 'clear upward trajectory' in seizures of diverted pharmaceutical drugs, with a 77% increase from 2021 to 2025. Cheap, legally-manufactured drugs like Buprenorphine, Tramadol, and Alprazolam are being diverted through non-compliant pharmacies, making them accessible substitutes. The NCB warns that India's pharmaceutical sector, despite its global legitimacy, is 'susceptible' to diversion and misuse within illicit supply chains.
Hydroponic Ganja Emerges as New Threat
An emerging trend is the growing circulation of hydroponic ganja, particularly in metropolitan areas. Seizures of this potent cannabis variant, cultivated without soil, increased 16-fold from 303 kg in 2021 to 4,862 kg in 2025. Nearly 97.8% of hydroponic ganja seizures occurred at airports, highlighting its cross-border sourcing and urban market appeal.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Exploited by Traffickers
The report raises concern about drug traffickers exploiting the geography of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, using uninhabited islands for warehousing and mid-sea drop-offs via deep-sea dark vessels. It warns that without a permanent enforcement presence, the islands risk becoming a forward hub for the Golden Triangle's westward expansion.
Foreign Nationals Arrested in Drug Cases
India arrested 747 foreign nationals in drug-related cases in 2025, with the highest numbers from Nepal (203), Nigeria (146), and Myanmar (97). Others included Bangladesh (17), Kenya (10), and Ghana (9). The report underscores India's vulnerability to trafficking networks from neighbouring countries and West Africa.
Government Response
Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the 180-page report during an NCORD meeting. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted that the state's anti-drug drive 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' has already dealt a major blow to narcotics networks, vowing to erase the 'blot of drugs' at any cost.
