Despite intensified monitoring using AI, drones and night-vision systems, Jammu & Kashmir continues to witness massive drug recoveries, exposing the resilience of cross-border trafficking networks operating along the sensitive International Border.
According to official data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, enforcement agencies seized more than 75,000 kilograms of opium-based drugs and nearly 11,000 kilograms of cannabis in Jammu & Kashmir between 2020 and November 2025, highlighting the Union Territory’s persistent vulnerability to narcotics smuggling.
The figures were shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a written reply, revealing year-wise trends that underline both enforcement efforts and the evolving tactics of drug cartels.
In 2020, authorities recovered a staggering 24,001 kg of opium-based drugs and 2,270 kg of cannabis. No cocaine or synthetic drugs were detected that year.
Seizures dipped slightly in 2021, with 19,405 kg of opium-based drugs and 1,716 kg of cannabis recovered — again with zero cocaine or synthetic narcotics, indicating the dominance of traditional drugs.
By 2022, recoveries stood at 17,493 kg of opium-based drugs and 1,848 kg of cannabis. For the first time, 4 kg of synthetic drugs were also seized, signaling a possible shift in trafficking patterns.
The downward trend continued in 2023, when opium-based seizures dropped sharply to 8,927 kg, while cannabis stood at 1,379 kg. Cocaine was limited to just 1 kg, and synthetic drugs to 0.16 kg.
In 2024, Jammu & Kashmir recorded further declines: 3,676 kg of opium-based drugs, 1,540 kg of cannabis, and 3 kg of synthetic drugs. No cocaine was recovered.
Up to November 2025, seizures included 2,062 kg of opium-based drugs and 1,957 kg of cannabis.
Cumulative Total (2020–Nov 2025):
- Opium-based drugs: 75,564 kg
- Cannabis: 10,611 kg
- Synthetic drugs: 5 kg
- Cocaine: 1 kg
These numbers firmly position Jammu & Kashmir as a major narcotics transit corridor in northern India.
No Separate Anti-Drug Funding for J&K, Centre Tells Parliament
Despite the alarming volume of seizures in Jammu & Kashmir, the Centre clarified that no separate UT-wise financial assistance was allocated to J&K under the “Assistance to States/UTs for Narcotic Control” scheme between 2021–22 and 2025–26.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai informed Parliament that the Government has adopted a multi-layered strategy to curb drug smuggling, particularly across international borders.
AI Surveillance, Drones & RADAR: Government’s High-Tech Push
Rai said authorities are deploying advanced technologies, including:
- AI-enabled surveillance grids
- RADAR systems and electro-optic sensors
- Night-vision devices and motion detectors
- Integrated Command and Control Centres
- Drone-based aerial reconnaissance
- Intelligence sharing and controlled delivery operations with foreign agencies
- BSF-led NDPS enforcement along border areas
“These measures aim to detect and disrupt narcotics trafficking routes in real time,” he added.
While the steady decline in recoveries may appear encouraging, security experts caution that lower seizure figures do not automatically translate into reduced trafficking.
Without transparent data on dismantled networks, arrests, and convictions, Jammu & Kashmir’s role as a critical drug transit hub remains deeply concerning.
“The adaptability of trafficking syndicates is well known. Unless we see consistent prosecutions and network-level crackdowns, the problem is far from solved,” analysts say.
Even with AI-powered surveillance, drones, and strengthened border enforcement, Jammu & Kashmir continues to battle a massive inflow of narcotics, exposing the scale and sophistication of cross-border drug networks. The challenge now lies not just in seizures — but in dismantling entire supply chains.
