222 hotspots identified, 44 demolished, 1,350 individuals under surveillance. Drug dealers need to be curbed more than the addicts. We must hold the snake by its head. We must uproot the tree entirely and ensure nothing is left behind.
Raqif Makhdoomi
Jammu and Kashmir has lost the fight against drug addiction. The Union Territory tops the list for having the highest number of drug addicts. Approximately 13.5 lakh people are involved in substance abuse, which means 8% of the total population is affected. Among Indian Union Territories, J&K unfortunately ranks first.
We have officially reached a place where we can no longer afford to use the word “if”. Our vocabulary has changed to “if not done.” It is high time that decisive action is taken; otherwise, we shall lose the generations to come.
Just a few years ago, it was rare to encounter a drug addict. Now, it is very common for a drug addict to be walking by your side. There was a time when addicts consumed drugs only after dark, but now they do so openly. The shame associated with being a drug addict has faded away. When confronted, they often reply, “We buy drugs with our own money. You have no right to stop us.” These words are enough to leave anyone speechless.
The age group of drug addicts ranges from 17 to 75. It must also be noted that both genders are equally involved.
How Are Drugs So Easily Available?
A very important question must be asked: how are drugs so easily available? Not only available, but available in such quantities that addicts can supply to others. They have developed code words. They say “Bachav ya” (do you have some?), meaning if you have some, give it to me as well. When addicts see someone they know under the influence of drugs, they say “Ye chu tich karith” or “Ye chu line karith” (he has consumed heroin). They have even developed their own sign language to communicate secretly, ensuring that others do not understand.
The Statistics
While Jammu and Kashmir tops the list among Union Territories for drug addiction, it also leads UTs in the number of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Kerala ranks highest among the states.
Statistics of cases registered under NDPS in Jammu and Kashmir:
– As of September 2025, 1,342 NDPS cases were registered in J&K, leading to 1,305 charge sheets filed in court.
– In the Kashmir Valley alone, around 1,000 cases were registered and nearly 1,400 people arrested in 2025, with properties worth over ₹70 crore attached.
– The Government of India informed the Rajya Sabha that 2,232 NDPS cases were registered in J&K in 2023, making it the highest among Union Territories.
– In 2025, 81 properties worth ₹16.64 crore were attached, and 215 detentions were made under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS Act (PITNDPS).
– 222 hotspots were identified, 44 demolished, and 1,350 individuals are under active surveillance.
Despite these efforts, drugs remain easily available. The loophole must be identified. Drug dealers need to be curbed more than the addicts. We cannot expect addiction levels to decline until we curb the dealers. We must hold the snake by its head. We are not at a stage where we merely need to chop the branches of the tree; we must uproot the tree entirely and ensure nothing is left behind.
Seizures:
– Over 160 kg of heroin was seized in 2021.
– In 2023–2024, the focus shifted heavily toward disrupting smuggling, with significant seizures of heroin worth hundreds of crores.
– In late 2024 and early 2025, Jammu Police reported a major crackdown with over 28 kilograms of heroin recovered, having a market value of over ₹129 crore.
– Between March 2019 and December 2021, data from the Narcotics Control Bureau showed nearly 400 kg of heroin were seized in J&K.
Drugs Used For Abuse In Jammu And Kashmir
Heroin remains the first choice among drug addicts. What is truly alarming is how easily it is available. Every addict I have spoken to has never faced a shortage of heroin. All they need is money.
Cannabis is the most preferred drug in Kashmir. The problem is that charas, which is highly consumed in Kashmir, is often seen as a way to achieve a form of spirituality. This perception has made its use very common across the region.
Other substances used for drug addiction include:
– Buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone
– Tramadol-like pills are among the favourites for drug addicts
– Pregabalin and clonazepam are also commonly abused
– Crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth) is also used and is highly addictive
Some people have crossed extreme levels of addiction. The things they resort to are horrifying: used socks, applying liquid polish on bread and eating it. The most disturbing of all remains the use of used sanitary pads. The pads are boiled in water, and the steam is inhaled. When I spoke to a person who engaged in such behaviour, he explained it to me with apparent joy. I was utterly taken aback.
Reasons For Drug Addiction
When we talk about Jammu and Kashmir, the major reason for drug addiction is unemployment. The growing rate of unemployment directly correlates with rising addiction levels.
Other factors that influence drug addiction include:
– Peer pressure
– Friend circle
– Family stress
– Environment
– Social influence
– Biological factors
– Early childhood trauma
Family plays a very important role in determining whether a person will become an addict or not. Slum areas remain hotspots for drug addiction.
Indicators Of Drug Addiction
Like every other condition, a person involved in drug addiction shows symptoms. These include:
– A sense of euphoria or feeling “high”
– Red eyes
– Dry mouth
– Major food cravings at unusual times
– Lack of attention
– Loss of interest in work
– Increased alertness
– Behavioural changes or aggression
– Poor judgment
– Hallucinations
– Intolerance to noise
– Insomnia
– Involuntary eye movements
– Irregular heartbeats
The indicators mentioned above relate to various drugs, as different substances show different symptoms. However, anger issues, behavioural changes, changes in food habits, red eyes, dizziness, and insomnia are some common indicators across many drugs.
Conclusion
Drug addiction often leads to death. It attacks the kidneys, and that becomes a major cause of death. Overdosing is another common cause. Addiction starts with the words “let me try once” and often ends with death.
Jammu and Kashmir has no other option but to adopt a war footing to deal with this crisis. Otherwise, we shall lose an entire generation.
The writer is a law student and human rights activist
ra***************@***il.com