Punjab drug crisis impacts 6.6 million residents

Around 66 lakh (6.6 million) people in Punjab — about a fifth of the state's 30 million population — are estimated to be using some form of drug, according to a parliamentary committee report. The figures include roughly 21 lakh opioid (heroin, opium) users and about 6.97 lakh children exposed to drugs.

Police activity under the NDPS Act has risen sharply. Between July 2022 and July 2023, 12,218 FIRs were lodged, heroin seizures jumped 147 % and synthetic‑drug confiscations rose 447 %. From 2022 to April 2026, 73,541 NDPS cases were recorded and 98,596 arrests made. Despite the crackdown, drug‑trafficking networks have become more technologically sophisticated, using drones and synthetic substances.

Treatment outcomes remain poor. Government‑run de‑addiction centres report a cure‑rate of only about 1.5 %, indicating that rehabilitation, counseling and family support are inadequate. Both the Supreme Court of India and Punjab‑Harayana High Court have labeled the situation a “dangerous level” public‑health emergency, urging stronger investigation, financial‑network targeting, border security and public awareness measures.