Mains issueGS-2News & Analysis29 October 2026

Multi-dimensional Challenges of Drug Abuse and Trafficking in India: A Case Study of Punjab

An aspirant should be able to argue that Punjab's drug crisis is a complex, multi-dimensional challenge rooted in historical, geographical, economic, and governance factors, requiring a comprehensive, coordinated, and community-centric approach beyond mere enforcement.

Source: indianexpress.comOriginal report

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Why now

The recent death of an activist protesting drug sales and subsequent public outcry, coupled with fresh NCRB data highlighting Punjab's leading role in drug trafficking, has brought the persistent drug crisis back into sharp public and political focus.

Core issue

Punjab is grappling with a severe and persistent drug crisis, highlighted by recent protests and NCRB data showing it leads in drug trafficking cases. The article delves into the historical social acceptance of opium, geographical vulnerabilities due to its border with Pakistan (part of the Golden Crescent, leading to 'narco-terrorism'), and economic factors like high profitability of the drug trade coupled with youth unemployment. It also discusses the rise of pharmaceutical drug abuse, drone-based smuggling, and alleged nexus between traffickers, police, and politicians. Government efforts, including the EDP approach and 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' campaign, are outlined, along with criticisms regarding their effectiveness and the need for a more balanced focus on prevention and rehabilitation.

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