273 kg heroin seized in 3 yrs, enough to devastate an entire generation

Srinagar, Dec 14: The recent data released by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed that J&K features among the top states and union territories in the country in terms of the recovery of heroin, one of the most dangerous drugs in terms of its addiction potential and side effects.

A whopping 270 kg of this drug were recovered in the past three years, the data reveals.

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, on Wednesday released state-wise data on narcotics, including recovery and cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for the years 2018 to 2022.

The data reveals a steady rise in cases registered under the NDPS Act over five years.

In 2018, 938 cases were filed in J&K followed by 1173 cases in 2019.

In 2020, 1222 cases were filed which increased to 1681 in 2021 and 1837 in 2022.

The near-doubling of cases from 2018 to 2022 reflects an increase in law enforcement actions and seizures.

However, it also highlights the growing penetration of drug networks in J&K.

The sharpest spike was observed between 2020 and 2021, coinciding with the easing of pandemic-related restrictions that may have disrupted trafficking routes earlier.

With 273.3 kg, J&K has recorded higher heroin recoveries than any other state or UT, surpassing traditionally affected areas like Punjab and Delhi.

While Assam reported 274.5 kg of heroin seized, and Chandigarh, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh also reported significant recoveries, the situation in J&K remains the most concerning.

Heroin is among the most dangerous narcotics both in terms of its addictive potential and societal impact.

De-addiction experts estimate that 1 kg of heroin can yield approximately 10,000 doses for street-level consumption.

This means the 273 kg of heroin recovered over three years represents nearly 2.73 million potential doses “enough to devastate an entire generation”.

In addition to heroin, the data also highlights large recoveries of other narcotics over the past three years.

J&K law enforcement agencies recovered 33,000 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup; 831 kg hashish; 6722 kg poppy straw, and 54,227 units of various types of psychotropic tablets.

These substances, particularly codeine-based cough syrups and hashish, are often abused by the youth as “entry drugs” and contribute to the growing crisis of addiction in J&K.

The sheer volume of these seizures underscores the widespread availability and consumption of drugs.

The doctors said that the high volume of heroin addiction in J&K carries grave implications for the region and the country.

“Heroin, derived from opium poppies, is a powerful opioid that can cause rapid physical and psychological dependence. Its abuse often leads to a cascade of issues, including health crises, social disintegration, and increased crime rates,” a senior psychiatrist said.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimates that opioid addiction has a ripple effect, impacting not only the users but also their families and society.

To combat the growing drug crisis, the government has implemented several measures in J&K and across the country.

Earlier this year, GoI said five District De-addiction Centers (DDACs) had been started in J&K.

These centres provide comprehensive services, including Integrated Rehabilitation Centers for Addicts (IRCA), Outreach and Drop-in Centers (ODIC), and Community Peer-Led Intervention (CPLI) services, all under one roof.

In addition, 20 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) have also been opened in government hospitals nationwide through the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

These facilities aim to provide medical treatment and psychological counselling to individuals battling addiction.