Why Punjab can’t shake off drug crisis: Role of history, geography, economics

Punjab's drug crisis has seen another escalation, with the government facing pressure after the police allegedly seized the body of a man who died of suspected overdose. The deceased, 35-year-old Daljit Singh, was to be taken to Mansa, where a protest was organized by the family of activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. Jhota was killed after accusing a medicine shop owner of selling drugs.

Punjab has been grappling with drugs for almost fifteen years, yet there seems to be no end in sight. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2024 data, Punjab tops the country with 6,060 drug trafficking cases and 106 drug overdose deaths, second only to Tamil Nadu (313). With assembly elections approaching next year, the issue of drugs is gaining prominence. This crisis is deeply rooted in Punjab's history, geography, and economics.