Tamil Nadu's Fight Against Drug Trafficking: Insights from Police Chief Shankar Jiwal
Tamil Nadu's aggressive drive to eradicate drugs has kept the issue in the media spotlight and public discourse, says
Shankar Jiwal, director-general of police in Tamil Nadu.
'The state's commitment under the 'Drugs Free Tamil Nadu' campaign has made it a leader in combating manufacture, transport and sale of illegal substances.
The rise in seizures reflects not increased use, but a proactive, intelligence-led strategy to disrupt trafficking networks and choke supply.
'. Excerpts:
Can you elaborate on the drug network?
Tamil Nadu is primarily a destination and transit state rather than a production hub. This is largely due to its geographical location and extensive coastline. The state has maintained a 'zero cultivation' status of cannabis for the past eight years.
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We have had reports of small-scale illicit processing and manufacturing of meth tablets and chemical drugs, especially synthetic drug labs near industrial zones. As ganja is brought mainly from other states, the issue was raised at a conference of DGPs of southern states. The special enforcement bureau of Andhra Pradesh launched 'Operation Parivarthan' in 2021, where huge quantities of cannabis, being grown on 6,416 acres, with an estimated market value of `4,000cr were destroyed.
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Tamil Nadu's drug arrests are rising. How do police determine whether seizures actually cut circulation or just inflate statistics?
The sharp rise points to shifting patterns of abuse. We also have stricter enforcement against traditional drugs such as ganja. To judge whether these efforts curb circulation, police track changes in street prices and purity: Supply disruption should push prices up and purity down. Also, if prices remain stable or decrease, it might suggest that the market is quickly replenished, indicating that seizures are not significantly disrupting overall supply.
Impact is also measured by the quality of arrests. Apprehending leaders, financiers and major distributors is more effective than nabbing street peddlers. Investigations aim to dismantle supply chains from source to street. Interrogations, digital forensics and financial investigations (freezing bank accounts) provide intelligence on the network. Other indicators include a sustained drop in numbers seeking addiction treatment and community feedback on changes in local drug activity.
TN police and Narcotic Intelligence Bureau, CID unit are focusing on identifying habitual offenders.
Are narcotic substances getting more potent and addictive?
Yes. Prevalence in Tamil Nadu, however, is low.
Can you explain how TN's drug cartel works?
Tamil Nadu has no organized drug cartels or kingpins. Cannabis transport, storage and sale are handled by local offenders. Theni and Madurai have higher numbers of offenders from traffickers shifting to Andhra Pradesh and Odisha after local cultivation was eradicated.
Most major dealers from these districts are now behind bars.
How do the couriers operate?
Cannabis, the most prevalent drug in Tamil Nadu, is smuggled through different methods. Smugglers have adapted to police crackdowns, shifting from road transport to courier services. Parcels are booked under false identities and collected in person to avoid leaving a trace.
TN's coastline enables smuggling across the Palk Strait to Sri Lanka via small fishing boats and trawlers, which evade detection.
Migrant workers from states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Assam, employed in textiles, garments and automobile units also carry cannabis by train into Tamil Nadu.
Are more students being dragged into the drug racket?
There is no evidence of this.
Is the number of college students in prisons on the rise?
No.
How many labs have you busted so far, in Chennai and TN?
Three incidents of drug making have been reported recently.
Besides Chennai, which districts are most vulnerable?
As per the reported cases, Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Tirupur and Dindigul are relatively more vulnerable.
Can narcotic substances be accessed in prisons?
Several cases of drug smuggling, mainly cannabis, have been detected in prisons.
We are conducting surprise checks with prison staff to curb prohibited items including drugs. Action has also been taken against prison personnel found colluding with inmates. In prisons, we have rehabilitation programmes to address physical dependence and psychological wellbeing such as counselling, skill development and yoga.
Do you think the system can be rid of narcotic substances?
Hope lies in a combination of sustained efforts in enforcement and reforms that include education and awareness, rehabilitation and community engagement.
While elimination is the aim, consistent efforts can significantly reduce the impact of narcotics.
WHERE ARE THE DRUGS GOING?
In 2023, out of total seizure of 23,364kg of cannabis, 7,828 kg (34%) was meant for Sri Lanka, 2,800kg (11%) for Kerala
In 2024, out of total seizure of 21,424kg of cannabis, 2,415kg (11%) was meant for Sri Lanka and 189kg (0.8%) for Kerala
In 2025 (up to June) out of total seizure of 13,145kg of cannabis, 1,446kg (11%) was meant for Sri Lanka and 578kg (5%) for Kerala
WHERE IS IT COMING FROM?
Cannabis: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, where cultivation still takes place
Methamphetamine: Bengaluru, Myanmar, through the Northeast corridor
Heroin and cocaine: West Africa and Southeast Asia
HOW IS IT COMING IN?
Ganja: NH-16 corridor (Visakhapatnam to Chennai)
Synthetic drugs: NH-44 / NH-48 (via Bengaluru)
Small-volume smuggling: Railways, bus routes
High-value narcotics (cocaine, MDMA, heroin): Seaports, airports
FOREIGN LINKS
Foreigners arrested (2021-June 2025): 80
Countries: Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
Accused from other Indian states: 3,420
PUNISHMENT
Small quantity: Up to 1 year imprisonment or ₹10,000 fine, or both
Commercial quantity: 10-20 years rigorous imprisonment and ₹1-₹2 lakh fine
Trafficking: 10-20 years rigorous imprisonment and heavy fines
Repeat offences: Enhanced penalties, including a possible death sentence
Foreign nationals: Same penalties; may also be deported after serving a sentence
BUSTED
Seizure
2024
2025
(till June)
Trend
Cannabis (Kgs)
21424
13,145
Likely upward trend in 2025 compared to the previous two years
Heroin (Kgs)
4.4
-
Complete drop in 2025
Tablets(Nos)
1,41,760
95,156 (
Strong upward trend in tablet seizures.
Other drugs
(including cannabis chocolates, methamphetamine, amphetamine, methaqualone)
(Kgs)
554
424.5
Strong upward trend
Liquid drugs(Ltrs)
110.6 L
-
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