Narcotics in Kashmir: District-Wise Trends and Patterns (2018-2022).

The article focuses on the escalating problem of drug abuse and trafficking in Kashmir from 2018 to 2022, analyzing data on six commonly abused substances: benzodiazepines, poppy, cannabis, heroin, codeine, and tramadol. It reveals a significant increase in narcotic-related cases, with cannabis and poppy-based drugs being the most prevalent, and identifies distinct regional patterns across Kashmir’s ten districts, notably high case counts in Anantnag, Srinagar, and Kupwara. The study highlights socio-economic and geopolitical factors contributing to the crisis, including unemployment, mental health issues, and cross-border trafficking, and underscores the need for targeted, district-specific law enforcement and public health interventions. By providing detailed trends and hotspot analyses, the research offers policymakers a data-driven framework to allocate resources effectively and develop tailored strategies to combat drug abuse in the region.