Excise dept identifies repeat drug offenders in Ernakulam
Kochi: In an effort to strengthen drive against drug menace in Ernakulam, authorities identified
repeat drug offenders
. Of the 56 repeat offenders identified by excise in the district, 24 individuals were linked to more than five cases each.
Authorities have now decided to target these repeat offenders with a range of stringent measures, including preventive detention, enhanced surveillance and support through de-addiction programmes.
"We collected criminal histories of those involved in drug trafficking to invoke Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PITNDPS Act) against them, which would lead to preventive detention. However, the act can be invoked only against those who have at least two medium-quantity cases or more than one commercial-quantity case under NDPS Act. More details of their cases will be collected and a detailed report on all their antecedents will be filed to govt to issue a preventive detention order against the accused," said a senior excise officer.However, there is a catch. To beat the system, repeat offenders in most cases are now increasingly caught with small quantities and hence wouldn't qualify for invoking drastic measures like preventive arrest.Realizing this, excise team decided to put such offenders under continuous surveillance. "Many repeat offenders in the district are in the 20-30 age category and addicts are among them. The quantity seized from many of them is a small quantity under NDPS Act," said the officer.Excise sources said rehabilitation through Vimukthi is also provided to many of them, but majority are facing relapse. "Many repeat offenders are addicts and there are limits to what any agency can do in terms of follow-ups after providing de-addiction counselling. Unless there is a supporting mechanism from either friends or family, there is a high chance of them falling back into the habit," said an excise officer.To further tackle the rising issue of violence fuelled by substance abuse, enforcement authorities are planning to share critical information about individuals with criminal histories with bar and hotel operators. This initiative will allow these establishments to issue timely alerts if any offenders cause disturbances. Police assessments have shown that many violent incidents are closely linked to drug and alcohol abuse at such establishments.A meeting was recently held with bar-hotel managers at district police headquarters, where a discussion took place on preventing clashes under the influence of drugs and alcohol at such establishments. "The department is considering sharing details of those repeatedly involved in criminal cases, including their latest photo, with the management of these establishments," said a senior police officer.
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