"Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven." – Donald Lyn Frost
26th June is observed as "International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. on this occasion, let us try to understand the magnitude of this menace and the damage it causes to humanity. United Nations observes 26 June as “International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking” to raise awareness, foster international cooperation, and reaffirm our collective commitment to creating drug-free world.
How big is the problem of Drug abuse?
Drug abuse is no longer a marginal issue; it has become a global epidemic. According to United Nations Office on Drugs and crime (UNODC), approximately, 296 million people worldwide used drugs in 2021, representing a staggering 23% increase over the previous decade. Moreover, over 39 million individuals suffer from ‘drug use disorders.’ Drug abuse is destabilizing societies, fuelling organized crime, and exacting a heavy toll on human life and dignity. The global drug trade valued billions of dollars annually, is not merely a criminal enterprise, it is a humanitarian catastrophe.
India, due to its geographical location between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran on one side and Myanmar, Laos and Thailand on another side, is serving as a transit corridor and a consumer market for Narcotic substances. A study conducted by the ministry of Social justice and Empowerment in 2019 revealed that nearly 2.06% of the Indian population consumes drugs; around 8.5 lakh individuals inject drugs; and Cannabis, alcohol, heroin, and synthetic substances are increasingly consumed, especially by adolescents and young adults. Drug addiction in India is not confined to any particular geography or class; it pervades metropolitan cities, Border States, and rural hinterlands. Despite strong laws like the NDPS Act and active enforcement by agencies such as NCB, RPF, and state police, drug trafficking continues to adapt through newer routes and technologies, requiring sustained national efforts in enforcement, rehabilitation, and awareness.
Punjab and the Northeastern states such as Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, are vulnerable due to porous borders with drug-producing countries. Urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Goa have witnessed a surge in recreational drug use, especially in nightlife circuits and college campuses.
Who are the most affected ?
1.Youth and Students – The most vulnerable group, often targeted due to peer pressure, curiosity, or stress. Schools, colleges, and hostels see rising instances of drug use.
2.Urban Working Class – Stress, loneliness, and lifestyle factors have led to increased substance use among young professionals.
3.Slum Dwellers and Street Children – Exposure to poverty, crime, and lack of supervision make them easy targets for drug peddlers and gangs.
4.Farmers and Border Villagers – In some regions, drug cultivation or smuggling becomes a means of livelihood due to economic hardship.
5.Women and Families – Though often overlooked, many women suffer silently from addiction or the impact of addicted family members, leading to domestic violence and social instability.
6.Prison Population – Many inmates are addicts or small-time peddlers, and drug use within prisons is an emerging concern.
What are the challenges in controlling drug abuse and illicit Trafficking?
Controlling drug abuse and illicit trafficking presents several complex challenges. one of the biggest issues is the vast and constantly evolving network of drug traffickers, who use advanced technology, encrypted communication, and changing smuggling routes to avoid detection. Geographical vulnerabilities such as India’s proximity to the countries producing and transporting drugs make it a natural transit hub. Limited resources, especially in border and rural areas, hinder effective surveillance and enforcement. There is also a lack of awareness and stigma around drug addiction, which prevents affected individuals from seeking help. The rising trend of synthetic and designer drugs, which are harder to detect and regulate, poses a new and growing threat. These challenges demand a coordinated approach involving law enforcement, health care, education, and community participation to effectively reduce both supply and demand.
Legal and Institutional frame work to control drug abuse and illicit trafficking in India:-
India has a robust legal and institutional framework to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The country follows a zero-tolerance policy toward narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and its laws are aligned with international conventions. The notable legal and institution framework is as under.
1. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act)-is the primary legislation governing the control, regulation, and prohibition of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India. This act -
·Prohibits the production, manufacture, possession, sale, purchase, transport, warehousing, use, consumption, import and exportof narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances except for medical or scientific purposes.
·Prescribes strict penalties for drug offences. Punishments range from rigorous imprisonment to the death penalty for repeat offenders or large-scale traffickers.
·Provides for the forfeiture of propertyderived from drug trafficking.
·Allows for the establishment of special courtsfor speedy trials.
·Enables rehabilitation and treatment of drug addicts under certain conditions.
2. Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.This Act supplements the NDPS Act by allowing preventive detection of suspected individuals.
3. Institutions and Enforcement Agencies:-
·Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) – Apex agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs; coordinates drug law enforcement across India.
·Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) – Handles smuggling of narcotics via ports and airports.
·Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) – Controls illicit opium cultivation and prevents misuse.
·State Police and Excise Departments – Deal with local-level enforcement and seizures.
·Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) – Monitor and intercept trafficking through the rail network.
·Border Security Force (BSF) and Indian Coast Guard– Guard borders and coastal areas against international trafficking.
Use of Railways by drug traffickers and the challenges they pose:-
Drug traffickers often exploit the vast and accessible railway network in India to transport narcotics across states and regions. Railways offer a cost-effective, less-suspicious, and high-volume mode of transport, making it difficult for authorities to monitor every passenger or cargo consignment. The sheer size and frequency of trains, large number of passengers, and open platforms provide traffickers with opportunities to move drugs hidden in luggage, parcels, or even through human carriers. Unreserved compartments, sleeper coaches, and parcel vans are commonly misused. Traffickers also change their routes frequently to avoid detection. These factors make railways drug smuggling a serious concern, requiring stronger intelligence, better inter-agency coordination, use of technology like scanners and CCTVs, and increased patrolling by forces like the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP).
RPF's role in preventing drug transport:-
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) plays a vital role in preventing the transport of illegal drugs through the Indian Railways. With its wide network and large volume of daily passengers and cargo, the railway system is often targeted by traffickers to move narcotics discreetly. To counter this, the RPF conducts regular train and station checks, inspects luggage and parcels, and keeps a close watch on suspected routes and passengers. It collaborates with agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Government Railway Police (GRP), and State Police to share intelligence and carry out joint raids and operations. The RPF also uses CCTV surveillance, sniffer dogs, and undercover staff to monitor illegal activity. In addition to enforcement, the RPF raises awareness among passengers and railway staff about the dangers of drug trafficking. Through these efforts, the RPF is playing a key role in disrupting drug networks and ensuring the railway system remains safe and drug-free.
Steps taken by RPF against drug traffickers:-
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has taken several proactive steps to combat drug trafficking through the railway network. It conducts regular and surprise checkson trains, platforms, and parcel offices to detect the movement of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (NDPS). The RPF has deployed special surveillance teams and canine squads at high-risk stations and on vulnerable train routes. It closely coordinates with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Government Railway Police (GRP), and state anti-narcotics units to carry out joint operations and intelligence-led raids. Advanced tools like CCTV monitoring systems, hand held scanners, and body-worn camerasare increasingly being used for better surveillance. The RPF also maintains detailed records of drug seizures, tracks repeat offenders, and provides training to its personnel on NDPS laws and handling of such cases. Moreover, the RPF engages in public awareness campaigns, educating passengers and railway staff about the dangers and legal consequences of drug trafficking. These concerted efforts have significantly improved the detection and prevention of drug-related crimes on Indian Railways.
Impact of RPF’s Efforts:-
The year 2024 marked a major breakthrough in anti-drug operations, with the highest value of drug seizures (₹227.55 crore) and the highest number of arrests (1,388) under “Operation Narcos”, indicating strong enforcement and intelligence-driven operations. The data for 2025 (January to April) already shows a high-value seizure of ₹68.41 crore, suggesting that the RPF remains actively engaged and effective in its mission to curb drug trafficking.
Hundreds of drug traffickers are arrested every year across India’s railway network.Large quantities of narcotic substances, worth crores of rupees, are seized.Railway premises have become safer for passengers due to increased vigilance and timely intervention. | |
Message to Society by the Railway Protection Force (RPF):-
Drug abuse and illicit trafficking not only destroy individual lives but also threaten the safety and future of our society. The Railway Protection Force is committed to keeping our railway network free from the grip of drugs and crime. However, this fight cannot be won by enforcement alone — we need the active support of every citizen. Stay alert, report suspicious activities, and help us build a secure, drug-free environment for future generations. Let us unite against drugs and protect our youth, our families, and our nation. Together, we can stop this menace and create a healthier, safer India.
"One decision can destroy all dreams — say NO to drugs."
