Conviction rate in drug cases increased from 48 % to 54 % in 2024
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday chaired a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. He also launched the Drug Disposal Fortnight, inaugurated extension of MANAS-2 helpline to 28 states and 8 Union Territories in order to strengthen India’s fight against the drugs menace, Shah highlighted that in 2024, the NCB and police forces had seized drugs valued at Rs.16,914 crores, which was the highest seizure of narcotics since independence. Laying stress on the importance of introducing timely policies, ensuring enhanced intensity, meticulous micro-planning, and consistent monitoring, Shah underscored the need for achieving a drug-free India to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a fully developed India by 2047. He urged the Centre and state governments, besides all relevant departments, to work collaboratively with dedication and commitment to eradicate this evil. Shah said, “We are determined to destroy the entire ecosystem of narco terror… We have made several changes in investigations, not only exposing drugs but also uncovering the terrorism networks associated with them. The local police of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, along with central agencies, have uncovered several cases of narco-terrorism, ” Home Minister said that we need to work with even more speed and enthusiasm for a drug-free India by stopping drug smuggling through the dark web, crypto-currency and drones. He said, “We need to increase the use of PIT-NDPS (Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) and cautiously expand the use of legal provisions for asset confiscation.”
Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that in line with the vision of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the state has made significant progress in combating drug trafficking as such the conviction rate in drug cases has increased from 48 % to 54 % during year 2024 reflecting the state’s enhanced efforts to address drug-related crimes. He said that the conviction rate in cases under NDPS Act has increased due to efforts by the state government witnessing 6% hike as compared to previous year 2023. The Chief Minister shared this information while virtually attending a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister, Amit Shah on drug trafficking and national security at New Delhi on Saturday.
The Chief Minister further informed that 3,445 villages and 774 wards have been declared drug-free in Haryana state, since there are no active drug dealers in these areas and drug addicts are receiving treatment at addiction centers across the state. He said, over the past five years the state has made significant strides in curbing drug trafficking with nearly 26,000 drug peddlers arrested and sent to jails. He further disclosed that last year, nearly 5,000 individuals were arrested for drug-related crimes including 1,000 identified as major drug traffickers, with a large quantity of drugs seized from them. He said that over rupees 50 Crore Rupees was seized in drug money and 161 Nasha Mukti Kendras (de-addiction centers) were established for the recovery of drug addicts. He further added that in addition to law enforcement measures, the state government also dismantled around 100 illegally encroached establishments. He said that the state government has made concrete efforts to implement the MANAS helpline, which encourages drug addicts to seek treatment at de-addiction centers.
CM Saini further informed that to expedite legal proceedings, Haryana has established fast-track courts and ensured quick reports from forensic science labs (FSL) for the timely resolution of drug-related cases.This system has been effectively implemented to ensure successful outcomes in tackling drug trafficking. Saini said that Haryana government has established Anter-Rajyastariya Sachiwalya in Panchkula to enhance cooperation with neighboring states in the fight against drug trafficking to facilitate the sharing of crucial information about drug trafficking and movement across northern states Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, with the primary objective of this initiative to strengthen joint efforts and improve coordination in tackling drug-related issues in the northern region of country. He appreciated the active involvement of saints, spiritual leaders, and sports personalities in the ‘Drug-Free Haryana’ campaign playing an important role in spreading awareness and encouraging community participation in the movement.
Saini said an Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been set up in the state, with 11 units operating across Haryana, besides the task force is also playing an important role to arrest drug smuggling and conduct regular meetings. Among those present in the meeting were Chief Secretary, Dr. Vivek Joshi, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department Dr. Sumita Misra, Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur and other senior officers of police department.
