Rank	State/UT	Estimated Narcotics Seizures Value (2025, Crore ₹)
1	Delhi	3070
2	Gujarat	2930
3	Punjab	2750
4	Maharashtra	2640
5	Mizoram	2320
6	Uttar Pradesh	2000
7	Manipur	1760
8	Madhya Pradesh	1540
9	Assam	1210
10	Tamil Nadu	1100
11	West Bengal	920
12	Rajasthan	770
13	Andhra Pradesh	660
14	Haryana	550
15	Bihar	440
16	Kerala	440
17	Karnataka	440
18	Odisha	440
19	Telangana	440
20	Chhattisgarh	330
21	Jharkhand	330
22	Jammu and Kashmir	110
23	Tripura	110
24	Nagaland	110
25	Arunachal Pradesh	60
26	Himachal Pradesh	60
27	Meghalaya	60
28	Uttarakhand	60
29	Goa	20
30	Chandigarh	10
31	Puducherry	10
32	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	10
33	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	5
34	Sikkim	5
35	Ladakh	0
36	Lakshadweep	0

Narcotics seizures in India, where law enforcement and organizations such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscate illicit substances including heroin, cannabis, and methamphetamine, illustrate the nation’s vigorous fight against drug trafficking.

These operations focus on apprehending smugglers transporting drugs across borders or within urban areas, thereby safeguarding communities from addiction and criminal activities.

This article examines the estimated values of narcotics seizures (in thousand crores, e.g., 2.5 = ₹2,500 crore) across India’s 28 states and 8 Union Territories (UTs) for the year 2025.

It analyzes the figures, elucidates why certain states report higher seizure values, and delves into the underlying issues that drive this trade.

The estimates are derived from the NCB’s 2024 data, the NCRB’s 2023 reports, and preliminary trends for 2025, as comprehensive data for 2025 will not be available until late 2026.

The 2025 projection anticipates that India will seize narcotics valued at approximately 27.86 thousand crores (₹27,860 crore), marking a 10% increase from the 2024 figure of 25.33 thousand crores (₹25,330 crore).

Delhi ranks first with 3.07 thousand crores, followed by Gujarat (2.93), Punjab (2.75), and Maharashtra (2.64).

Mizoram and Uttar Pradesh follow with 2.32 and 2.00 thousand crores, respectively.

Smaller Union Territories such as Lakshadweep, Ladakh, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHDD) report negligible values (0–0.005 thousand crores).

This increase is indicative of enhanced enforcement efforts through NCORD coordination, drone surveillance, and maritime patrols, which specifically target high-value drugs like heroin and cocaine.

What accounts for the disparity in drug seizure values among states, with some seizing thousands of crores while others report almost none? Let us analyze this further.

Reasons Behind the Disparity in Drug Seizures Among States

Delhi and Gujarat

Delhi’s seizures amounting to 3.07 thousand crores are attributed to its significant position as a primary drug market and transit point.

In 2024, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated 1,396 kg of cocaine in Delhi, valued at ₹2,790 crore (₹20,000/kg), marking the largest single seizure in India.

The affluent urban demographic and a 90% internet penetration rate in the city contribute to the demand for expensive drugs such as cocaine and MDMA.

Meanwhile, Gujarat’s seizures totaling 2.93 thousand crores are linked to its extensive 1,600-km coastline, which serves as a crucial entry point for maritime smuggling.

In 2024, the NCB intercepted 80 tonnes of heroin near Mundra port, valued at ₹2,400 crore at ₹2,500/kg.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Gujarat has increased seizures fivefold since 2020, focusing on high-value shipments.

Punjab and Maharashtra

Punjab’s seizures of 2.75 thousand crores are indicative of its border with Pakistan, a significant route for heroin smuggling.

In 2024, the Border Security Force (BSF) seized 1,150 kg of heroin (valued at ₹2,875 crore) using drones, representing a 40% increase from 2023.

The drug crisis in Punjab, with 10% of the youth affected by addiction, exacerbates trafficking issues, and the BSF’s drone surveillance has been effective in apprehending more smugglers.

In Maharashtra, the 2.64 thousand crores in seizures are connected to Mumbai’s dual role as both a port and a drug market.

The NCB’s operations in 2024 led to the confiscation of 60 tonnes of cannabis and 500 kg of synthetic drugs like MDMA (valued at ₹1,500 crore), driven by urban demand, with 5% of Mumbai’s youth reportedly using drugs.

Mizoram and Uttar Pradesh

Mizoram’s seizures totaling 2.32 thousand crores are linked to its 510-km border with Myanmar, which serves as a conduit for heroin and methamphetamine from the Golden Triangle, accounting for 80% of India’s heroin supply according to the UNODC.

In 2024, Mizoram seized 127 kg of heroin (valued at ₹38 crore) and 800 kg of meth (valued at ₹187 crore), with these high-value drugs enhancing its ranking despite the lower overall quantity of 1.5 tonnes.

Conversely, Uttar Pradesh’s seizures of 2.00 thousand crores are primarily due to large cannabis confiscations (estimated at 200 tonnes for 2025), although the value is lower (₹20–50/kg) compared to synthetic drugs.

The state’s vast population of 230 million and its transit routes to Nepal facilitate substantial drug hauls.

Smaller States and Union Territories

Lakshadweep, Ladakh, and DNHDD exhibit nearly negligible values (0–0.005 thousand crores). Their small populations (Lakshadweep: 64,000) and isolated locations restrict trafficking activities.

The low demand for drugs (Sikkim: 0.5% addiction rate) and the limited number of smuggling routes contribute to minimal seizures. For instance, Lakshadweep recorded a total of 30 crimes in 2023, with no drug-related cases.

What Factors Influence the Drug Trade?

Multiple elements clarify the significance of drug seizures and the greater difficulties faced by certain states.

Open Borders and Global Supply

India shares challenging borders with Myanmar (to the Northeast) and Pakistan (in Punjab).

Myanmar is responsible for supplying 80% of the heroin consumed in India, which enters through Mizoram and Manipur, where seizures in 2024 reached a total of ₹400 crore.

Heroin from Pakistan flows into Punjab, with drones intercepting 30% of the seizures in 2024.

According to the NCB, Gujarat’s ports manage 30% of drugs transported by sea, as smugglers take advantage of inadequate coastal security checks.

Rising Demand and Addiction

With 60 million drug users in India, accounting for 2% of the population, there exists a substantial market.

The opioid crisis in Punjab, affecting 10% of the youth, and the increase in cocaine use in Delhi, with 5% of urban residents partaking, contribute to the high-value seizures.

The 2% youth addiction rate in Mizoram propels methamphetamine smuggling. The rise of synthetic drugs, which increased by 20% in 2024, commands higher prices, thereby inflating values in urban regions.

Enforcement Gaps and Corruption

Despite the initiatives by NCORD aimed for 2025, only 20% of drug-related cases result in convictions, as reported by the NCRB in 2023.

Corruption in border regions, such as Manipur, where 10% of seizures are linked to local collusion, allows traffickers to operate with relative ease.

Smaller states like Tripura, with seizures amounting to 0.11 thousand crores, lack specialized enforcement units, which restricts their ability to conduct high-value drug busts.

Social and Economic Factors

Poverty in Northeastern states, such as Assam, where seizures total 1.21 thousand crores, compels farmers to cultivate cannabis, with 15% of rural income being drug-related.

Urban centers like Maharashtra experience an influx of party drugs, including MDMA, which has led to increased seizures in Mumbai.

Marginalized communities in Jharkhand, with seizures totaling 0.33 thousand crores, frequently resort to smuggling as a means of earning cash, according to the MHA.

Are These Numbers Trustworthy?

The estimate of 27.86 thousand crore is based on NCB’s projected value for 2024 (25.33 thousand crores) and anticipates a 10% increase for 2025, taking into account NCORD’s drone operations and a 55% surge in value for 2024.

Data may be distorted due to underreporting (20% according to INCB) and price fluctuations (heroin: ₹2,500–5,000/kg). The complete data for 2025, expected in 2026, could modify totals by ±15%.

How Can India Respond Effectively?

India requires more robust measures. NCORD’s drone surveillance for 2025 and the 8th meeting scheduled for May 2025 aim to enhance seizures by 20%.

Providing training to police in states such as Assam, where only 10% possess drug enforcement expertise, would be beneficial. Awareness initiatives, similar to Punjab’s 2024 campaign that reached 30% of the youth, can help reduce demand.

Stricter inspections at ports in Gujarat and international collaboration through UNODC could help obstruct trafficking routes.

Source

• Narcotics Control Bureau. (2024). Annual report 2023-24: Drug seizure statistics. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
• National Crime Records Bureau. (2023). Crime in India 2023. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.