• Geographical Factors:
    • Punjab shares a 552 km border with Pakistan.
    • Proximity to the Golden Crescent, a major drug trafficking hub (Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan).
    • Increased use of drones for drug smuggling.

Golden Crescent

  1. Largest Illicit Opium Producer: Located in Central, South, and Western Asia.
  2. Countries Involved: Afghanistan (producer), Iran (transit), Pakistan (transit and distribution).
  3. Impact: Funds terrorism and insurgency.
  4. Indian States Affected: Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat.

NDPS Courts

  1. Established Under: The NDPS Act, 1985 to govern narcotics production, sale, and use.
  2. Purpose:
    • Expedite trials for drug-related cases.
    • Address case backlogs effectively.

Punjab’s Proposal

  • Request to Centre:
    • One-time Special Assistance: ₹600 crore.
    • Annual funding: ₹60 crore for a decade.
    • To establish 79 NDPS courts, hire prosecutors, and provide staff.
  • Use of National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse: For anti-narcotics operations and de-addiction centres.