Investigations into narcotics cases across India now point to growing control by Thailand-based drug syndicates. Agencies report that these networks have expanded strongly in South India in recent years. While Thailand remains a major consumption hub, several cartels now run active supply chains into Indian states, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Police in Bengaluru recently arrested two interstate peddlers linked to handlers in Thailand. The Narcotics Control Wing of the Central Crime Branch seized LSD strips and charas from the accused. Officials said the duo sourced drugs through a Kerala-based operative working from Thailand and distributed them across Karnataka.
Authorities noted a sharp rise in drug cases in Kerala. In 2024, more than 27,700 cases were registered under the NDPS Act, far higher than Punjab. Investigators say methamphetamine, LSD, cocaine and charas enter through coastal routes, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Officials added that Thai cartels now operate in Maharashtra as well. Pune Police recently exposed a syndicate using the dark web, cryptocurrency and hawala channels. Agencies are coordinating across states to curb the expanding international network.
