New Delhi: India has witnessed a dramatic rise in drug-smuggling drones entering from Pakistan over the past four years, posing a “significant” threat to internal security, according to the Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) annual report for 2024.

The report, released by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the second national conference of anti-narcotics task force (ANTF) heads, highlights a shift in smuggling tactics, with drones replacing traditional methods along the Punjab border.

“The use of drones for cross-border smuggling of narcotics has emerged as a significant threat to India's internal security, particularly along the Pakistan border in Punjab,” the report states. “This evolving modus operandi has replaced traditional smuggling methods and poses a complex challenge for law enforcement and border security agencies.”

Border districts such as Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Gurdaspur have seen a sharp increase in drone sightings and drug recoveries. In 2024 alone, 179 drone-related drug trafficking cases were recorded—up from just three in 2021. Of these, 163 incidents occurred in Punjab, 15 in Rajasthan and one in Jammu and Kashmir. The total haul amounted to approximately 236 kilograms, primarily heroin and opium.

Synthetic drug seizures multiply sixfold since 2019

The report also documents a steep rise in synthetic drug seizures across India. Between 2019 and 2024, the volume of confiscated substances such as amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), MDMA, mephedrone and methaqualone increased sixfold.

“In 2024, about 11,994 kgs of synthetic drugs were seized compared to just 1,890 kgs in 2019. This sharp rise is primarily driven by the high profitability and increasing market demand for these substances,” the report notes.

Annual figures show fluctuating but rising trends: 1,989 kgs in 2020, 657 kgs in 2021, 4,216 kgs in 2022, and 4,209 kgs in 2023.

Maritime drug routes see explosive growth

Drug trafficking via sea routes has surged nearly 500-fold since 2019. In 2024, maritime seizures totalled 10,564 kgs. India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a key transit point for heroin trafficked from Afghanistan via the southern route.

The report identifies the ‘Death Crescent’—Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan—as the primary source of heroin, ATS and hashish entering India through western ports. Meanwhile, the ‘Death Triangle’—Myanmar, Laos and Thailand—supplies synthetic drugs like methamphetamine via the eastern coast. Major shipping hubs include Chabahar (Iran), Gwadar and Karachi (Pakistan).

Cocaine, Mephedrone and injectable drugs on the rise

Cocaine seizures reached an all-time high in 2024, with 1,483 kgs confiscated—78 times more than in 2020 and five times higher than in 2023. Mephedrone, a party drug also known as “meow meow”, saw a spike with 3,359 kgs seized, compared to 275 kgs in 2020.

The report also flagged growing concerns over injectable drug abuse. In 2024, over 2.75 lakh units were seized, valued at ₹4.54 crore. Punjab and Maharashtra reported the highest volumes.

Detentions under PITNDPS Act hit record high

The use of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act has intensified. In 2024, authorities issued 531 detention orders, resulting in 483 detentions—up from 93 detentions under 107 orders in 2020.

The Home Ministry has urged agencies to invoke PITNDPS more frequently to target drug cartels and financiers. The Act allows preventive detention for up to two years.

Emergence of mescaline signals shift in drug trends

A new synthetic hallucinogen, mescaline, has entered the Indian narcotics landscape. In 2024, agencies seized 25.04 kgs of the psychedelic drug, indicating a shift toward synthetic hallucinogens.

PTI