India is the largest producer and exporter of Opium in the world. The opium Poppy is being cultivated in 22 Districts of the states of M.P., U.P., and Rajasthan under the licenses granted by the Central Govt. In M.P. licenses for the cultivation of Opium are given in all the 3 Districts of Ujjain range namely; Mandsaur, Ratlam and Neemuch. The licensed farmers are required to surrender the entire produce to the Govt. However, given the price difference between what the Govt. pays and the price Opium fetches in the illicit market, a portion of legally produced opium is diverted to illicit channels. Substantial portion of this diverted opium is converted into Smack/Heroin in the makeshift laboratories in and around the opium growing areas.

Working under the direct control and supervision of Director General of Police, M.P.Narcotics wing is being headed by Additional Director General of Police, who has been designated as Additional Director General of Police cum Director Narcotics Wing. The Director exercises control over field functionaries like Superintendents of Police/ Superintendents of Railway Police etc. in matters pertaining to Narcotics offences/ Drug Abuse and other co-related crimes.