International parcels containing banned narcotic drugs and substances reaching India in hordes have caught the narcotics control bureau (NCB) off guard. “The orders are placed through illegal internet pharmacies. Some of the pharmacies are run by doctors. Social media plays a major role in this illegal drug trade,” said NCB director general OPS Malik.

“In 2011, the security agencies seized 152 parcels within India. Also, 29 parcels of narcotics substances were recovered in other countries that were sent from India. The parcels seized in India contained 38 kilograms of heroin, 71 kg of hashish, 1 kg cocaine and 41 kg amphetamine-type stimulants,” Malik said while releasing the annual report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).

India is being ranked as the biggest consumer of narcotics substances in South Asia, the report prepared by the INCB, which is an independent monitoring body for implementation of the United Nations International drug control conventions, said. “India has a market estimated at $1.4 billion for heroin, while it is $1.9 billion for the entire South Asian market,” said the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It also estimates the global heroin economy at $68 billion.

“Among the Indian states, the rising consumption of illegal drugs in Punjab is worrisome,” Malik said. “Punjab is the greatest concern for us because the illegal drug consumption is going up in different parts of the state. The consumption of the synthetic drug in the state is also very high,” he added. “Why I say concern, because it is visible and impacting the health of youth in the state. Youths in Punjab have typical consuming patterns — like increased use of poppy husk,” Malik said.

Around 3.1 million Indians illegally use opiate – an opium derivative – of which half use synthetic opiate, the report mentions. It also said that India is largest producer of opium in the South Asia. According to the report, “South Asia is experiencing increasing problems with abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter pharmaceutical preparations containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.”

The prescription drugs buprenophine, pentazaocine and sedatives are easily available in India, the report noted.