Kochi: The number of narcotic cases registered by the excise department in Kerala has reached a new peak this year, exceeding those recorded in 2024. According to the excise department data, 8,622 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were filed till August 2025, compared to 8,160 cases in 2024 and 8,104 in 2023.

The rise in cases is also reflected in arrests, with 8,505 individuals detained for drug-related offences this year as of August, up from 7,946 in 2024 and 8,060 in 2023. A senior excise official attributed this increase to a combination of greater drug inflow into the state and intensified enforcement measures. “The higher number of NDPS cases indicates more people are abusing drugs. At the same time, our enhanced operations have led to more detections and arrests,” the official said.

Alongside excise efforts, Kerala Police have also registered a high volume of NDPS cases, with 25,262 narcotics registrations till July 2025. This compares to 27,530 cases in 2024 and 30,697 in 2023.

One major concern for authorities is the rising number of students involved in narcotics offences. The excise department has arrested 312 students, including minors, as of August this year, though this is lower than 379 arrests in 2024 and 531 in 2023. In 2025, 18 drug seizure cases were reported from educational institutions by excise, with 13 of these from Ernakulam district, including five in schools and eight in colleges.

In response, the excise department has strengthened surveillance around schools and colleges. “Our teams coordinate with students and teachers to curb drug abuse on campuses. Ahead of the academic year, we visited educational institutions to identify vulnerable spots,” the officer added.

The data underscores growing challenges in tackling drug abuse in Kerala while highlighting intensified efforts by enforcement agencies.

With inputs from PTI