Assam has emerged as the state with the highest number of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in northeastern and eastern India, reflecting a sharp rise in drug seizures, arrests and recoveries, while Manipur has emerged as the largest hotspot of heroin seizures.
The data was based on a report on cross-border drug trafficking and seizures in 12 states in the eastern part of the country compiled using data from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
According to the report, Assam recorded 12,500 NDPS cases and 20,398 arrests during the five-year period. Odisha came in second place with 12,405 cases and 17,016 arrests.
While Assam topped the list in terms of total cases, Manipur recorded the highest heroin seizures among the 12 states, with total recoveries standing at 1,750.34 kg over the past five years.
The report comes at a time when the Center has declared a war on drugs, aiming to eliminate the menace from the country by 2047. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, at a recent event, highlighted the government’s resolve, which includes cracking down on drug trafficking across land and sea borders, strengthening the National Central Bureau, and ensuring coordinated working among agencies.
Manipur ‘high value trafficking risk’
The latest report described Manipur as a “high-value trafficking risk” in the Eastern and Northeast Corridor. A large portion of the drug flow into Manipur, which shares an international border with Myanmar, originates from the “Golden Triangle” – a heroin and synthetic drug producing region that straddles Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.
The list also showed that West Bengal recorded 605.8 kg of heroin seizures, Assam 573.96 kg and Bihar 485.24 kg.
The report also cited Mizoram as a major concern for synthetic drugs, recording seizures of 2,218.27 kg of ATS, the highest among the 12 states.
Odisha dominates ganja seizures
Odisha has emerged as the state with the highest rates of bhanga seizures, recording a significant rise over the years.
Law enforcement agencies recovered 850,792 kilograms of marijuana between 2020 and 2024. The second highest seizures were recorded in Tripura with 221,731 kg, followed by Assam with 179,462 kg.
According to the report, Odisha has consistently recorded a rise in cannabis recoveries every year, including over 212 lakh kg in 2023 alone.
