Punjab has higher number of drug smugglers than users: NCRB Report-2023

More Punjabis were found to be trafficking narcotics than consuming them, according to the latest countrywide analytical report of 2023 released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Punjab topped the country with the highest proportion of drug-smuggling cases — 25.3 cases per lakh of population. In contrast, cases of drug use stood at 12.4 per lakh, showing a clear tilt towards trafficking rather than consumption.

Himachal second on the chart

In a striking revelation, neighbouring Himachal Pradesh emerged as the second-highest state in the country for drug-smuggling ratios. The hill state recorded only 2,146 cases under the NDPS Act in 2023, not even making it to the top 10 states in overall numbers. Yet the break-up revealed 547 cases for consumption and 1,599 for trafficking — a ratio of 7.3 per lakh for consumption compared to 21.3 per lakh for trafficking. Its geographical position bordering Punjab and Jammu makes it a receiving and forwarding route for narcotics.

Punjab ranks third in total cases

While Punjab figured as the top state in trafficking ratios, it stood third in the absolute number of NDPS Act cases. A total of 11,589 cases were lodged in 2023, behind Kerala (30,697 cases) and Maharashtra (15,610 cases). However, a closer look at these southern states suggests another trend: the bulk of cases there were related to consumption rather than trafficking.

Kerala had the highest number of FIRs at 30,697 — translating to 85.7 cases per lakh — of which a massive 28,015 were for consumption (78.2 per lakh) and just 2,682 (7.5 per lakh) for smuggling. Maharashtra followed a similar pattern with 13,075 of its 15,610 cases linked to drug use (10.3 per lakh), with trafficking limited to just 2,535 (2.0 per lakh). These figures indicate that states like Kerala and Maharashtra serve more as major drug markets than supply routes.

Punjab: A transit state

By contrast, Punjab’s unique position on the international border with Pakistan reinforces its role as a transit corridor. Narcotics, especially heroin, are smuggled from Afghanistan via Pakistan into Punjab before being pushed to other states.

The state’s alleged “drug problem” has been part of national debate since 2013 when Punjab began topping NCRB charts for drug-smuggling cases. Documentaries, investigative reports, and even films like Udta Punjab highlighted its grim reality. The drug crisis has since become a central issue in Punjab’s political and electoral narrative.

The 2023 snapshot

• Punjab: 11,589 cases, 37.6 per lakh. Of these, 3,804 (12.4 per lakh) were for consumption and 7,785 (25.3 per lakh) for trafficking.
• Kerala: 30,697 cases, 85.7 per lakh. Consumption dominated with 28,015 (78.2 per lakh); trafficking was only 2,682 (7.5 per lakh).
• Maharashtra: 15,610 cases, 12.3 per lakh. Of these, 13,075 (10.3 per lakh) were consumption and 2,535 (2.0 per lakh) trafficking.
• Himachal Pradesh: 2,146 cases. Consumption stood at 547 (7.3 per lakh) while trafficking formed the bulk at 1,599 (21.3 per lakh).