Himachal Pradesh has recorded one of the highest drug trafficking-related crime rates in the country, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (National Crime Records Bureau) 2024 report. The data shows that the state registered 17.2 cases per lakh population involving possession of drugs intended for trafficking, placing it second in India after Punjab.

The report highlights that Punjab reported the highest rate at 19.6 cases per lakh population, while Himachal Pradesh has consistently remained in the second position for such offences for the second consecutive year. Officials and analysts say this trend indicates a sustained challenge in curbing drug-related networks operating across the hill state.

Overall, Himachal Pradesh recorded 1,715 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 in 2024. This translates to 22.8 cases per lakh population, placing the state fourth nationally in NDPS cases per capita, behind Kerala, Punjab, and Mizoram. The national average stands significantly lower at 7.8 cases per lakh population.

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Of the total NDPS cases in the state, 1,292 were linked to possession of drugs for trafficking purposes, while 423 cases involved possession for personal consumption. The data reflects a larger proportion of trafficking-related offences compared to personal use cases, underscoring concerns about organised supply chains operating in the region.

In addition, the state registered 4,627 cases under various liquor and narcotic-related laws, resulting in a rate of 61.5 cases per lakh population. This places Himachal Pradesh ninth in the country under this broader category of substance-related offences, according to NCRB data.

Authorities have expressed concern over the sustained prevalence of drug-related crimes in the state, noting that Himachal Pradesh’s geographic location—bordering several northern states—makes it vulnerable to trafficking routes. The report underscores the need for continued enforcement efforts and coordinated action to address the growing challenge of narcotics-related crime.

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