Drug seizures in J&K down 84% in 5 years: MHA
Srinagar, Feb 4: Drug seizures in Jammu and Kashmir have declined by 84 per cent over the past five years, according to data released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Parliament.
The figures, shared in response to parliamentary questions, show a sharp reduction in the quantity of narcotics recovered annually between 2020 and 2024, even as enforcement agencies continue to report significant overall seizures. From 2020 to November 2025, a total of 75,564 kg of opium-based drugs and 10,611 kg of cannabis were seized in the Union Territory.
While the Ministry has not provided a detailed break-up of opium-based substances, experts believe the bulk of the seizures consist of heroin, a highly addictive and high-value narcotic that has had severe social consequences in the region.
Data indicates that seizures of opium-based drugs fell from around 24,000 kg in 2020 to 3,676 kg in 2024. Provisional figures for 2025, available up to November, show 2,062 kg seized, suggesting the downward trend has continued.
Despite the decline, officials cautioned that narcotics trafficking remains a concern, with enforcement outcomes reflecting changing smuggling routes and methods as well as intensified interdiction efforts.
The MHA informed Parliament that nearly 1,000 cases under the NDPS Act were registered in J&K in 2025, leading to about 1,400 arrests. Over the last five years, around four kilograms of synthetic drugs, including cocaine, have also been recovered in the UT.
The Ministry said J&K has not received financial assistance under the “Assistance to States/UTs for Narcotic Control” scheme. However, it highlighted the use of advanced technology and multi-agency coordination to curb trafficking. These include BSF-led operations, AI-enabled surveillance grids, drones, night-vision devices and motion detectors along the International Border.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said intelligence-sharing mechanisms, controlled delivery operations with foreign countries, and an upgraded integrated command and control system are key components of the government’s anti-narcotics strategy.
