Uttar Pradesh Cartels Fueling Drug Trade in IIOJK: India’s Growing Narcotics Crisis

India’s growing drug trade, fueled by Uttar Pradesh cartels, is devastating IIOJK’s youth and threatening regional stability—yet the government continues to shift blame.

A major drug trafficking syndicate, operating from Uttar Pradesh, has been supplying narcotics to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), exposing the extensive links between the northern Indian states and illicit trade. The arrest of four operatives and the seizure of Rs 10 million worth of contraband highlights the growing significance of Uttar Pradesh as a central hub for narcotic distribution. The drugs, primarily Tramadol and Codeine syrup, were funneled through courier services, bypassing legal restrictions. This revelation emphasizes the expanding reach of India’s narcotics network, with Jammu and Kashmir being one of the key targets.

India, once just a transshipment route for drugs, has now evolved into one of the largest consumer markets globally. The country’s drug trade has skyrocketed in recent years, driven by powerful cartels operating through networks that span across regions. Uttar Pradesh, in particular, plays a critical role in facilitating the movement of narcotics into IIOJK, further destabilizing the region. Despite the scale of this illegal operation, the Indian government’s public stance is often one of victimhood, deflecting blame to neighboring countries like Pakistan. This narrative is increasingly being challenged by international observers.

India’s drug market is a multi-billion-dollar industry. With an estimated value of Rs 30,000 crore annually, the illicit drug trade thrives on cheap production, robust distribution channels, and the growing domestic demand. Drug cartels have become increasingly sophisticated, utilizing dark web platforms and international connections. Shipments often enter India through ports such as the Adani-owned Mundra Port, where drugs are repackaged and shipped to Europe, Central Asia, and beyond. The scale of India’s drug trafficking is only matched by the devastating impact it has on its society.

The effects of this booming drug trade on India’s population are dire. Over 50 million Indians are believed to be addicted to drugs, with opioid use at an alarming 2.06% of the population—three times the global average. The increasing prevalence of drug abuse has led to a rise in related crimes, social disruptions, and mental health issues. The situation is particularly acute in impoverished communities, where drug abuse is not just a personal tragedy but a social epidemic. Alarmingly, children are increasingly becoming victims, with a significant rise in juvenile drug cases, especially in urban centers like Delhi.

The drug epidemic is exacerbated in regions like IIOJK, which has seen a sharp rise in addiction among its youth. Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, Kashmir has faced severe social and political upheaval. The ongoing conflict and economic instability in the region have pushed young people into the grasp of narcotics as a form of escapism. Reports suggest that a staggering 75% of drug-related cases in Kashmir involve individuals under the age of 25. This growing addiction crisis in Kashmir is a direct result of the influx of drugs from India, facilitated by the very authorities who claim to be combating the issue.

The international community, particularly the United Nations, must confront India’s growing role in the global drug trade. India’s internal politics, often using anti-Pakistan rhetoric to deflect responsibility, only deepens the crisis. Narcotics trafficking has become a multi-layered business in India, with politicians and businessmen profiting from the illegal trade. India must be held accountable for both its involvement in the drug trade and its failure to address the devastating consequences on its society, particularly in regions like Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).