State PCS - Haryana (HCS)

• 04 Jul 2025

Surge in Narcotic Seizures in Haryana

Why in News? 

Haryana has witnessed a sharp rise in the seizure of narcotics, particularly heroin and cocaine, in the first half of 2025.  

• According to the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), heroin seizures in the state more than doubled, while the quantity of cocaine recovered increased by over 14 times compared to the same period in 2024.

Key Points 

• Rise in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Cases:  
  • Drug-related FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 increased by 28.75%, with 1,858 cases registered from January to June 2025, compared to 1,657 in 2024 in Haryana. 
    • Commercial quantity cases rose by nearly 29%, from 166 in 2024 to 233 in 2025—often involving organised trafficking groups. 
• Drug Prevalence in India (Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Data): 
  • Cannabis: 3.1 crore people (2.8%) are cannabis users, with 72 lakh (0.66%) facing cannabis-related issues.  
  • Opioid Use: 2.06% of the population uses opioids, and nearly 0.55% (60 lakh) require treatment services for opioid dependence.  
  • Sedative: 1.18 crore (1.08%) individuals use sedatives for non-medical purposes.  
  • Inhalant: Inhalant abuse affects 1.7% of children and adolescents, significantly higher than the 0.58% prevalence in adults. Approximately 18 lakh children require assistance to address inhalant abuse.  
  • Injecting Drug Use: Approximately 8.5 lakh people inject drugs, known as People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). 
• Related Measures: 
  • Legislative: 
    • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: It regulates the production, manufacture, and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.  
    • Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988 govern the legal framework for controlling and preventing drug trafficking and abuse. 
  • Institutional Measures:  
    • National Investigation Agency (NIA): It is the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in India.  
      • It investigates cases with interstate and international links, including drug smuggling networks tied to terrorism, arms trafficking, and cross-border infiltration.   
    • National Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB):   
      • NCB is a nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India. It coordinates with national and international agencies and participates in initiatives such as the SAARC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk (SDOMD).  
    • Other Enforcement Agencies: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Customs Department, and various law enforcement agencies work together to curb drug trafficking. 

Different Drug Types and Substances 

Drug Type	Characteristics
Stimulants	Stimulants stimulate the central nervous system, increasing alertness and physical activity. They can cause mood swings, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, and anxiety.    Examples: Cocaine, Crack, Amphetamines, and inhalants like Amyl or Butyl Nitrites.
Depressants	Depressants, such as alcohol, barbiturates, and tranquilizers, slow down the central nervous system, causing relaxation.    Alcohol abuse can lead to slurred speech, memory loss, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or death.    Examples: Barbiturates and tranquilizers
Hallucinogens	Hallucinogens alter perception, causing emotional swings, paranoia, delusions, and confusion. Though not physically addictive, they can lead to lasting psychological harm.   Examples: LSD, Ecstasy, Psilocybin (magic mushrooms).
Dissociative Drugs	Dissociative drugs cause detachment from the body and environment, impairing motor functions and causing confusion.    Examples: Ketamine, DXM (Dextromethorphan).
Opioids	These are highly addictive and induce pain relief and euphoria.    Examples: Heroin, Opium, Pharmaceutical painkillers (e.g., codeine, morphine).
Inhalants	Inhalants can cause headaches, nausea, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, suffocation or death.   Examples: Gasoline, Paint Thinners, Amyl Nitrite.
Cannabis	Cannabis, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, is commonly used in forms like marijuana, hashish, and hash oil.    Its abuse impairs memory, concentration, and can lead to paranoia, addiction, and long-term cognitive issues.   Examples: Marijuana, Hashish, Hash Oil.

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