Kerala Leads NDPS Act Case Surge in 2023

In 2023, Kerala recorded the highest number of cases under the NDPS Act with 30,697. Among Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir led with 2,232 cases. Across India, a total of 1,20,010 cases were registered under the Act. Key states showing high numbers include Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

In an alarming trend, Kerala has emerged as the state with the highest number of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2023, recording a staggering 30,697 instances. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir leads among Union Territories with 2,232 cases, as revealed in the Rajya Sabha.

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, shared this data in response to a query, highlighting the increasing numbers documented by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). In total, 1,20,010 cases were registered under the NDPS Act nationwide in 2023.

Following Kerala, Maharashtra reported 15,610 cases, while Punjab accounted for 11,589. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh also registered significant figures of 10,126 and 9,387 cases, respectively. In Union Territories, Delhi and Puducherry followed Jammu and Kashmir with 1,325 and 148 cases. The NDPS Act, originally established in 1985 and amended in 2014, enforces strict regulation of narcotic drug activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)