Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking "Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven." - Donald Lyn Frost

(Capital Information) Hyderabad, June 25 : 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.

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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?