Tue Feb 04 19:09:25 UTC 2025: ## Punjab’s Drug Crisis: A National Security Threat Fueled by Drones and Corruption

**Chandigarh, India – February 5, 2025** – Punjab’s decades-long struggle with drug trafficking has reached crisis levels, posing a significant national security threat, according to a new analysis. The state’s proximity to the Golden Crescent, a major heroin-producing region, makes it particularly vulnerable. The situation is exacerbated by Pakistan’s alleged “proxy war,” involving the smuggling of drugs and weapons across the border, a claim made by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria last August. This activity extends beyond Punjab, with recent reports of drug smuggling into the Jammu region.

The increased use of drones to smuggle narcotics has further complicated the issue. Smugglers are adapting, shifting from larger drones carrying 4-5 kg payloads to smaller drones capable of transporting 500 gm per flight, mitigating losses if intercepted. This is evidenced by a sharp rise in drone seizures by the Border Security Force (BSF) in Punjab, from 107 in 2023 to 294 in 2024. During this period, the BSF also seized approximately 283 kg of heroin, neutralized four Pakistani intruders, and apprehended numerous smugglers.

Punjab’s drug problem extends beyond supply; it’s also a major consumer. A 2022 PGIMER study revealed that approximately 15% of Punjab’s population (41 lakh people) are drug users. This alarming statistic is supported by a 2014 survey showing widespread drug use among both men and women. The study also highlighted a high prevalence of injection drug use, contributing significantly to the rise in HIV and overdose deaths. Official figures indicate a sharp increase in drug overdose deaths in recent years.

The nexus between politicians, police, and the drug mafia severely hampers efforts to combat the problem. Last year, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann transferred 10,000 police personnel suspected of involvement with drug peddlers, highlighting the scale of corruption. The lack of resources to investigate narco-terrorism using modern technology and limited focus on rehabilitation and demand reduction further impede progress.

While the Punjab government is targeting smugglers and local suppliers, experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach addressing systemic issues, including institutional corruption and societal mindsets. The article concludes by stressing the urgent need for strong political will to tackle this multifaceted crisis effectively. The scale and intensity of Punjab’s drug problem have far-reaching consequences, demanding immediate and decisive action.

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