Ernakulam district has unfortunately secured the top spot on Kerala’s list for drug-related cases, as revealed by the Excise department. By August 2025, a staggering 1,105 offenses under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered, marking a substantial 10% increase compared to the total number of cases recorded in the previous year.
A closer look at the data shows a worrying trend: in 2024, the district saw 1,010 NDPS cases, following 928 in 2023, and 807 in 2022. This consistent upward trajectory was recently highlighted in a statement by Excise Minister M.B. Rajesh to the State Assembly.
Interestingly, while convictions for NDPS cases in Ernakulam remain high—635 individuals were convicted by August this year—there has been a noticeable increase in acquittals, with 39 persons being cleared. This is a significant jump compared to previous years where acquittals were minimal (one in 2024 and 2022, and two in 2023). This suggests a potential area of concern in case proceedings.
Excise officials attribute Ernakulam’s leading position in drug cases to its unique characteristics. As a bustling metro city like Kochi, it naturally attracts a diverse population and numerous institutions, which can unfortunately lead to a higher influx of illicit substances. Furthermore, a substantial migrant population in the district is also considered a contributing factor to the elevated number of drug-related incidents.
However, officials are quick to clarify that a rise in registered cases doesn’t always directly correlate with an increase in the actual volume of drugs being smuggled. It could also reflect enhanced enforcement efforts. Regarding the spike in acquittals, authorities point out that even minor procedural errors or lapses in adhering to mandatory legal provisions during the investigation and registration of an NDPS case can significantly weaken the prosecution’s stance during trial.
The drug issue isn’t confined to Ernakulam alone; neighboring districts are also experiencing a rise in NDPS cases. Kottayam recorded 919 cases by August this year, followed by Idukki with 851 cases and Alappuzha with 846 cases. In contrast, Kasaragod appears to have the lowest number, with only 172 cases registered during the first eight months of the year.