India, Sept. 21 -- Punjab's struggle against drugs is neither imaginary nor unique. Substance dependence troubles many Indian states, although the drugs consumed, their routes of supply, and the severity of their impact differ. In Punjab, the problem appears especially acute because opioid dependence, organised trafficking, cross-border smuggling, pharmaceutical misuse and deepening social distress have converged. Repeated political promises to eliminate drugs have also raised public expectations. Every overdose, seizure and arrest is therefore seen as a test of the government's resolve and credibility.

The available evidence confirms that Punjab faces a serious problem, but it also cautions against sweeping conclusions. One major study ...