Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Himachal and Kerala Face Rising Drug Crises: New Hotspots
Imagine two places, one in the mountains and one by the sea, both having big problems with drugs.
Himachal Pradesh, known for its hills, is seeing more people using drugs like heroin.
Kerala, with its coasts, has even more drug cases, especially involving synthetic drugs.
Kids as young as 10 are using drugs.
Both places are trying to stop the problem by making new laws, starting programs in schools, and helping people get better.
But it's a tough job because the drug networks are always changing, and it's hard to catch everyone.
Himachal Pradesh and Kerala are facing a rapid rise in drug use and trafficking.
Himachal saw a 340% increase in NDPS cases from 2012 to 2023, with rising addiction and overdose deaths.
Kerala registered 27,701 NDPS cases in 2024, significantly higher than Punjab's previous issues.
Both states are dealing with synthetic drugs, youth addiction, and challenges in enforcement.
Governments in both states are implementing new laws, campaigns, and de-addiction programs.
- Who
- Involves drug users, traffickers, and government officials.
- What
- A rise in drug use and trafficking.
- When
- Increasing in recent years, with data from 2023, 2024, and early 2025.
- Where
- Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, India.
- Why
- Multiple factors including the changing nature of drug networks and challenges in enforcement.
Current Stance
Awareness and Prevention
Approach to Combating Drug Menace
Current Stance
Focus on stricter penalties for traffickers and expand rehabilitation mandates.
Awareness and Prevention
Emphasis on awareness and prevention programs.
- Himachal NDPS Cases (2012)
- 500
- Himachal NDPS Cases (2023)
- Over 2,200
- Kerala NDPS Cases (2024)
- 27,701
- Kerala MDMA Use Increase
- Over 65% (in a year)
- Kerala Homicides Linked to Drugs (Early 2025)
- 30
- Kerala's 'No to Drugs' Campaign
- Launched in June 2025, running until January 2026.