Ladakh LG orders crackdown on rising drug menace

With opioid and substance abuse emerging as a major social concern in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday announced a series of stringent measures, including tighter border checks, surveillance in schools and tourist areas, and a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers and suppliers.

Saxena chaired a comprehensive meeting with senior government officials, members of civil society organisations, religious organisations and NGOs to review the situation and the functioning of Drug De-addiction Centres (DDACs) in Ladakh.

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In recent months, there has been an alarming rise in drug abuse cases in Ladakh, particularly among youth, minors and even girls. A large number of migrant labourers, too, have been found indulging in substance abuse.

During the meeting, the LG was informed that since April 2025, the Psychiatry OPD at SNM Hospital, Leh, registered 101 new opioid-related cases with 237 follow-up cases, 25 cannabis-related new cases with 39 follow-up cases, and 15 polysubstance abuse cases with 40 follow-up cases. It was also informed that 64 substance abuse patients tested positive for Hepatitis C.

During the deliberations, the youth wing president of Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) pointed out the unavailability of hard liquor in liquor stores, due to which many individuals were increasingly turning towards substance abuse and narcotic drugs. He suggested expanding the product range and making hard liquors available in the existing wine shops. Further, psychiatrists also highlighted cases where individuals habituated to daily alcohol consumption often displayed violent and delirium-like behaviour in the absence of alcohol in Ladakh, and were not responding effectively to medication. The LG also assured that he would review the existing excise policy in Ladakh.

Taking note of the situation, LG issued a slew of directives. These include identifying and dismantling the supply chains of narcotic substances, and instructing the Ladakh Police to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against drug suppliers and traffickers. Furthermore, the LG ordered random checking of vehicles at key entry points into Ladakh, alongside random searches of local taxis—with strict instructions to impound vehicles if drivers are found indulging in drug trafficking. He also directed the constitution of dedicated response teams, comprising a social worker, nurse and attendant to handle calls made to the helpline.

Drug De-addiction Centres would be rechristened with a more suitable and socially sensitive name, and separate facilities and rooms would also be created for female patients and juveniles at DDACs and rehabilitation centres.

The LG stressed, “We must work collectively and relentlessly to eliminate this challenge from Ladakh.”

He directed the DGP to take strict action against drug suppliers and peddlers, while at the same time ensuring counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration for affected individuals.

The LG was briefed on the performance of DDACs, which have reached more than 16,000 people through various outreach initiatives. Additionally, the centres registered 337 OPD patients for treatment, achieving a successful recovery count of 53 patients.