Tamil Nadu's Comprehensive Anti-Drug Campaign: A Model for India
Tamil Nadu, one of India's most socially and economically vibrant states, has not remained untouched by the growing menace of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. And the state govt has launched a campaign to combat this crisis with all seriousness.
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With a strategy encompassing prevention, detection, enforcement, inter-agency coordination, destruction of contraband, financial investigations and youth awareness programmes, Tamil Nadu's response stands out as a model for other states.
At the heart of the anti-drug initiative lies the rigorous enforcement backed by data-driven action. The police have intensified operations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, targeting hotspots of drug activity and by adopting advanced surveillance methods.
Illicit drugs here are mostly trafficked from other states. Between 2021 and 2025, Tamil Nadu police have seized more 107 tonnes of ganja, 321,000 tablets of pharmaceutical drugs and 1,223kg of other narcotics.
The seizure of 5,250 ganja-infused chocolates in July, targeted at college students, is one example that reflects the evolving tactics of drug syndicates and the proactive response of law enforcement agencies.
An essential component of any anti-narcotics strategy is the safe and lawful destruction of seized substances. The massive destruction drive during the past five years saw 61 tonnes of seized narcotics incinerated.
A strength of the state's strategy is its collaborative model, with narco coordination committees at state and district levels bringing together police, education, health, food safety and drug regulation officials. Citizens too can report suspected drug activities via helpline 10581, WhatsApp 9498410581 or
, adding a layer of community vigilance.
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A drug distribution management system also monitors lab reports and the movement of seized drugs.
TN's long coastline makes it a strategic location for traffickers, prompting multi-tiered coordination with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Customs, Indian Coast Guard and Navy. Coordination has also been established with Sri Lankan Anti Narcotic Police through NCB.
To control the narcotic drugs trafficked into the state, regular coordination has been established with the anti-narcotic task forces of neighbouring states.
These partnerships facilitate enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing and joint raids, particularly targeting border areas and drug smuggling routes. Drug inspectors, forest officials and NGOs are also engaged during field investigations, especially near educational institutions.
Drugs are not just a social problem, they're a business, often tied to elaborate financial networks. Recognising this, Tamil Nadu has aggressively pursued financial investigations to dismantle the economic infrastructure supporting narcotics trade.
Between 2021 and 2025, law enforcement froze 8,949 bank accounts and 45 properties valued at more than ₹21cr, directly tied to NDPS-related cases.
The govt has also established a mission management unit, which serves as a nodal centre to monitor anti-drug measures as well as in awareness creation and community engagement.
The state has also embraced digital innovation through tools such as the 'Drug free TN' mobile app, designed to securely record information from the public and take prompt action.
Community outreach includes short films and social media campaigns featuring influential personalities and law enforcement officers. Organizations such as NCC, NSS, and student unions play a vital role too.
While traditional narcotics such as ganja and heroin continue to pose challenges, Tamil Nadu is facing a new threat — the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs. Between 2023 and 2025, seizures of pharma-based narcotics rose from 39,910 to 1.42 lakh tablets.
These included prescription drugs such as painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, anti-depressants and stimulants, often diverted from legal channels or procured through online platforms.
Police have cracked the networks of prescription drug trafficking routes. Reports suggest that illegal distribution networks span neighbouring Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Dealers employ various methods including combining drugs with nitrous oxide and selling them in candy-like packaging, making detection harder and consumption more discreet.
Law enforcement agencies have had to adapt to these emerging trends through constant vigilance and updated training modules.
Authorities link drug abuse among youth to academic stress, mental health issues, unemployment and peer pressure, with some turning to stimulants or tranquilizers. Social media platforms are being used to sell narcotics disguised as candy or chocolates. Nightlife venues, hostels, and college campuses remain prime targets for peddlers.
The proliferation of encrypted messaging apps has made tracking transactions more complex.
Experts say more investment in counselling, mental health services and educational reform is needed, which is why the state's strategy goes beyond punitive action and ventures into rehabilitation. The state has inaugurated 25 de-addiction centres within govt hospitals to offer free treatment, counselling and vocational training.
Kalangarai centres offer integrated support for addicts seeking reintegration into society.
From frontline policing and financial crackdowns to community engagement and youth advocacy, TN has built a formidable framework to combat narcotics.
(The writer is additional director general of police, crime,
enforcement bureau CID)
BETWEEN 2021-2025
SEIZED
107 tonnes of ganja
321,000 tablets of pharmaceutical drugs
1,223 kg of other narcotics
July 2025: 5,250 ganja-infused chocolates targeted at college students
INCINERATED
61 tonnes of seized narcotics
FROZEN
8,949 bank accounts
45 properties, valued at more than ₹21cr
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