Sharper probes, better prosecution to boost convictions in NDPS cases: Chief Secretary

JAMMU, APRIL 11: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired the 13th UT Level NCORD (Narcotics Coordination) meeting to review progress on tackling drug trafficking and abuse across Jammu & Kashmir.

The meeting highlighted key achievements, ongoing challenges and future strategies to curb the menace of narcotics in the region.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary gave a set of comprehensive directions aimed at tightening the enforcement and judicial mechanisms under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. He underscored the urgent need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy combining strict law enforcement, judicial efficiency and community awareness to successfully deal with this menace.

In a significant decision, the Chief Secretary asked for constitution of District Monitoring Committees in each district of the UT. These committees, to be headed by the respective Deputy Commissioners, with SSPs and Public Prosecutors as members, will be responsible for regularly monitoring the status of NDPS cases. They will specifically focus on long-pending cases and facilitate their speedy trial and disposal, he added. He also directed that a police station-wise review of all NDPS cases be carried out regularly to strengthen the quality of prosecution and enhance conviction rates.

The Chief Secretary also took stock of various FIRs registered years ago in different police stations that remain pending for final disposal. He asked the Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to personally monitor the progress on such cases and ensure investigations are concluded without any further delay.

The Chief Secretary raised concerns over underutilization of court time in handling NDPS cases, often due to gaps in the investigation process. He emphasized the need to identify these lacunae and hold officials accountable, particularly in instances where defective charge sheets (challans) delay or derail the judicial process. He asked the Police Department to closely examine whether procedural delays or poor-quality investigations were causing bail or acquittals, especially in serious cases involving commercial quantities of narcotics.

Recognizing the evolving nature of drug trafficking networks, Dulloo called for strengthening the intelligence-gathering mechanism to identify and apprehend key players involved in the drug trade. He advised the Police Department to utilize its intelligence network effectively to detect patterns, identify repeat offenders, and track supply chains.

In cases involving habitual or organized drug traffickers, he suggested invoking the provisions related to organized crime or Sec 346 of BNSS to effectively dismantle syndicates and create a strong deterrent in the society against drug trade.

The Chief Secretary expressed concern over the vulnerability of border districts to cross-border drug smuggling, particularly from neighbouring regions. He directed the concerned authorities to maintain heightened vigil in these areas and increase surveillance activities with several other measures to detect the involvement of locals in this illicit trade.

Dulloo also instructed that unauthorized drug de-addiction centres be identified and penalized heavily for violating norms. Additionally, he emphasized strict monitoring of chemist shops to ensure that no contraband substances are sold without valid prescription or authorization.

Highlighting the delays in trial due to pending forensic reports, Dulloo instructed the Forensic Science Laboratory to expedite the analysis and reporting of samples collected under NDPS cases. He asserted that early submission of forensic evidence plays a pivotal role in the timely conclusion of trials.

Reiterating the importance of community engagement, Dulloo called for continuous IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) campaigns to raise awareness among the masses, particularly the youth, about the harmful effects of drug abuse. He said such campaigns must reach even the remotest corners of the UT to prevent young people from falling prey to this life-destroying menace.

While speaking in the meeting, Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, emphasized upon adopting if ‘whole if government approach’ to successfully nip this evil from the society. He made out that the law enforcement agencies can not be successful without the active support of other government departments and responsible citizens.

In his remarks, Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti, made out that the quality of investigation can further be improved to further increase conviction rates. He also favours making of appeals in genuine cases and handing over of big value cases to NCB/ED for more professional investigation and better outcomes.

The DG, Prosecution and ADGP, CID along with othef senior officers including Divisional Commissioners, IGP, Kashmir/Jammu also gave their viewpoints to curb this menace in a more efficient manner. Some of the Deputy Commissioners/District SSPs also made their presentations highlighting the action taken by them to get rid off this drug abuse in their districts.

The meeting noted that enforcement agencies have registered significant cases and arrests over the past two years with some 1,514 cases registered in 2024 and 2,260 arrests made and 274 detentions under the NDPS Act.

For the first Quarter of 2025 (Jan-Mar), it was added that 464 cases had been registered till date with 637 arrests and 76 detentions, with 31 cases involving commercial quantities the properties of drug dealers worth Rs 12 Cr stands attached by the authorities.

Regarding the destruction of illicit crops and conduct of awareness programs, the meeting was informed that in 2023-2024, poppy cultivation on 273 acres of poppy and cannabis on 1,642 acres was destroyed. In addition, over 1,903 programmes on public awareness conducted across the districts, with Kupwara/Handwara leading at 347 events.

As far as the training and fixing of accountability is concerned, it was revealed that 195 training sessions were conducted since 2022, training 4,267 officers. It was further divulged that 27 departmental inquiries were initiated in 2024 against the IOs, with 16 punishments awarded including censures and withheld increments.

About the treatment facilities, the meeting was apprised that around 20 Addiction Treatment Facilities are functional across the UT (11 in Kashmir, 9 in Jammu). It was given out that 2,332 new patients were registered, with 77,382 follow-up visits recorded for the first quarter of 2025 in these treatment centres.

Besides, the Police and Social Welfare Departments run facilities reported 1,762 fresh OPD cases and 450 IPD admissions in 2024. Moreover, the IPD services will be expanded in districts like Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Ganderbal shortly as the manpower is being trained for the same.

With respect to the regulatory actions against lenient pharmacies, the meeting was apprised that 22,379 licenses reviewed with 73 suspended and 4 cancelled in 2025.

The Housing & Urban Development and Rural Development Departments are further going to intensify awareness through wall paintings and hoardings to create awareness among the general public about the ill effects of drug abuse in nook and corner of the UT, informed in the meeting.