Latest news with #PITNDPS)Act
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
PITNDPS Act invoked against six for repeated narcotic offences
Visakhapatnam: The prohibition and excise department invoked Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act against six persons from Anakapalle and Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) districts for their alleged involvement in repeated incidents of narcotic cases. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Act was invoked against Dunga Manikyam (44), Budhiredla Kondala Rao (23), both natives of Anakapalle district, along with Gali Satyanarayana (44), Vanthala Balu Baddar (25), Korra Seetharam (30), and Vanchurbha Kondababu (30), all native of ASR district. Accused Manikyam, an autorickshaw driver, was involved in more than six NDPS cases, including 600 kgs of ganja transpiration in 2025. He played a key role in smuggling large quantities of cannabis from Anakapalle district to other locations. Vanthala Balu Baddar and Vanchurbha Kondababu were involved in three NDPS cases each. All the six accused were moved to preventive detention for one year. The AP govt invoked PITNDPA Act against more than 20 persons in the state for their repeated involvement in the cannabis trade. The enforcement officials have identified more than 35 people in Anakapalle and ASR district for involvement in multiple cannabis transportation incidents. Recently, the enforcement officials identified movable and immovable assets amassed by a few drug peddlers in Anakapalle and Vizianagaram districts. The assets of the smugglers were seized by the competent authority under Section 68 F (2) of NDPS Act.
News18
05-06-2025
- News18
Centre Flags Underutilisation Of Drug Trafficking Act, Urges States To Ramp Up Enforcement
Last Updated: In a letter, the MHA stressed the urgent need for a multi-pronged strategy combining supply reduction, demand reduction, and a humane approach towards drug abuse victims The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in a major step to curb the growing menace of drug trafficking across the country, has written to all states and Union Territories urging stronger and more proactive enforcement of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988. The ministry has flagged the underutilisation of the Act and called for immediate action, including preventive detention of repeat offenders and enhanced coordination between enforcement agencies. In the letter addressed to top state officials, the MHA stressed the urgent need for a multi-pronged strategy combining supply reduction, demand reduction, and a humane approach towards drug abuse victims. 'Our Government is moving ahead with a strict approach against the drug supply chain," the letter stated, calling for a 'Whole-of-Government" response to effectively counter organised drug syndicates. 'The PITNDPS Act is one of the most potent tools available to law enforcement to detain repeat offenders involved in drug trafficking. However, it is not being adequately used," an MHA official said. 'Given the increasing link between drug trafficking and terror financing, we have asked States to take timely and firm action." The letter also underlined the need for regular training of drug law enforcement officers and faster review of detention orders. It emphasised that state agencies must file detention proposals more proactively and work in close coordination with the Centre to ensure effective deterrence. 'Trafficking and abuse of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances has, over the years, reached alarming proportions in some parts of the country. It is important that all State Governments and the Central Government use all available legal provisions to curb this menace. One very potent law which has been extremely under-utilised is the PITNDPS Act. Once a preventive detention order under the PITNDPS Act is issued against a person, the illegally acquired properties of that person, his relatives, and associates can be seized, frozen, and forfeited through a quasi-judicial process as per Chapter VA of the NDPS Act," an official communication says. WHAT IS THE PITNDPS ACT? It is an Act that provides for the issuance of preventive detention orders against any person, with a view to preventing them from engaging in illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. WHO CAN ISSUE DETENTION ORDERS? The Union government, any officer specially empowered by the Centre or the state government can pass detention orders against any person (including a foreigner) with a view to preventing them from indulging in illicit traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, if satisfied that it is necessary to do so. The activities of persons engaged in such illicit trafficking pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of the people. Illicit traffic in NDPS has a deleterious effect on the national economy. Such persons are prosecuted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, but to further strengthen controls, the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act was enacted in 1988. Preventive detention is not a substitute for normal laws, nor is it intended to be used in lieu of such laws. It is an additional weapon in the armoury of law enforcement agencies aimed at tackling organised trafficking of drugs. First Published: June 05, 2025, 10:05 IST
