Published Paper Details:

Drug abuse and illegal trafficking of drugs have become major social and legal challenges in India, demanding strong laws and coordinated action. Narcotic drugs such as opium, morphine, heroin, and psychotropic substances like MDMA, LSD, and amphetamines affect both the body and mind, often leading to addiction, behavioral changes, and long-term health damage. India faces a unique situation because it legally cultivates opium in selected regions while simultaneously battling large networks of illegal production and smuggling. Under strict government licensing, opium poppy is grown legally only in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, mainly for medicinal and scientific purposes, but in contrast, illegal cultivation is frequently reported in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and certain Northeastern states where cannabis and poppy crops are secretly grown and circulated through peddlers and organized groups. The NDPS ACT of 1985 was introduced to control this rising misuse by regulating the cultivation, manufacturing, sale, transport, and consumption of narcotic and psychotropic substances. While the act provides strict punishments, it has also brought attention to cases where enforcement agencies may have acted with limited evidence. High-profile examples like Sushant Singh Rajput MDMA related investigation have sparked national debates about prosecution standards, evidence quality, and treatment of young individuals under stringent drug laws. Despite its strengths, the NDPS Act requires modifications to address modern challenges. A balanced approach is needed, one that strengthens actions against smuggling and organized cultivation but also prioritizes rehabilitation for drug-dependent individuals. Better training, technology-based monitoring, and clearer guidelines for evidence collection can make implementation more humane. Overall, India's fight against drug abuse demands a system that is strict where necessary, yet compassionate and fair in its treatment of individuals.