Assam Tops Drug Trafficking Arrests, Odisha Leads Ganja Seizures

Eastern and northeastern India have emerged as major narcotics hotspots, with Assam and Odisha recording alarming figures in arrests and seizures between 2020 and 2024.

According to official data, Assam registered 20,398 arrests and 12,500 NDPS cases, making it the state with the highest drug trafficking arrests in the region.

Odisha followed closely with 17,016 arrests and 12,405 NDPS cases.

Heroin smuggling remains concentrated in Manipur, where authorities seized 1,750.34 kg of the drug, largely due to its proximity to Myanmar and the infamous “Golden Triangle.” Other states with significant heroin recoveries include West Bengal (605.8 kg), Assam (573.96 kg), and Bihar (485.24 kg).

Synthetic drugs have also raised concerns, with Mizoram reporting the highest seizure of 2,218.27 kg of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS).

Cannabis trafficking continues to plague Odisha, which leads the nation with 850,792 kg of ganja recovered in the four-year period.

In 2023 alone, seizures crossed 212,000 kg, underscoring the scale of the problem.

Tripura (221,731 kg) and Assam (179,462 kg) also reported large volumes.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated the Centre’s commitment to eliminating the narcotics trade by 2047, emphasising stronger border surveillance, maritime security, and coordination between central and state agencies to disrupt trafficking networks.