Drug Cases Drop From 1.09 Lakh In 2023 To 89 Thousand In 2024: NCB Reports Decline Amid Crackdown

There has been a sharp decline in narcotics cases registered by Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) as reported to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) across the country over the past two years, official data shows. In 2024, a total of 89,913 cases were registered, down from 1,09,546 in 2023.

As part of its efforts to make India drug-free, the government has implemented several measures. “A Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) has been set up to ensure better coordination between central and state drug enforcement agencies and other stakeholders involved in combating drug trafficking and abuse,” said an official.

The official added that a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), headed by an officer of additional director general or inspector general rank, has been constituted in each state and union territory to function as the NCORD secretariat. Additionally, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) chaired by the Director General of NCB has been formed to monitor investigations.

Agencies like the Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Sashastra Seema Bal have been empowered under the NDPS Act to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests along international borders. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been authorized to tackle drug trafficking on railway routes. The NCB coordinates with various agencies – including the Navy, Coast Guard, BSF, and state-level ANTFs – to conduct joint operations.

To address drug trafficking through digital platforms, a task force on Darknet and Cryptocurrency has been established under the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) mechanism, focusing on monitoring online platforms and facilitating intelligence sharing.

“Cases were fewer in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a spike followed once restrictions were lifted. The recent decline in cases is attributed to the effective crackdown by law enforcement agencies,” said an NCB official.

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