Assam has recorded the highest number of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act across eastern and northeastern India, reflecting a sharp rise in drug-related seizures, recoveries and arrests, while Manipur has emerged as the region’s largest hotspot for heroin seizures.
The findings are based on a cross-border drug trafficking and seizure analysis covering 12 eastern and northeastern states, compiled using data from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
According to the report, Assam registered 12,500 NDPS cases and 20,398 arrests over a five-year period, making it the highest among the states studied. Odisha ranked second with 12,405 cases and 17,016 arrests.
While Assam led in the overall number of cases, Manipur recorded the highest quantity of heroin seizures, with authorities recovering 1,750.34 kg during the last five years.
The report comes as the Centre continues its broader anti-drug campaign, with the government targeting the elimination of narcotics-related threats by 2047. Amit Shah recently reiterated the government’s focus on stronger border surveillance, enhanced capabilities for the NCB and greater coordination among agencies.
The report identified Manipur as a “high-value trafficking risk profile” due to its strategic location along the international border with Myanmar. Investigators said much of the narcotics flow into the state is linked to the Golden Triangle — a major heroin and synthetic drug-producing area covering Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.
The report also showed significant heroin seizures in West Bengal with 605.8 kg recovered, followed by Assam at 573.96 kg and Bihar at 485.24 kg.
Meanwhile, Mizoram was highlighted as a major concern for synthetic drugs, recording the highest seizures of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) among the 12 states at 2,218.27 kg.
Odisha also emerged as the leading state for cannabis-related seizures. Authorities recovered 850,792 kg of ganja between 2020 and 2024, far ahead of Tripura with 221,731 kg and Assam with 179,462 kg.
The report noted that Odisha consistently recorded year-on-year increases in cannabis recoveries, including more than 212,000 kg in 2023 alone.
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