Latest news with #PITNDPSAct
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
U.P. ANTF likely to have wider jurisdiction, special court
The jurisdiction of the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) is likely to be expanded, and a proposal to establish a special court for its cases is in the pipeline. The move aims to improve coordination in narcotics-related operations across the state and facilitate the creation of a collective database. During his visit to the ANTF headquarters to review its working on Thursday, the new director general of police (DGP), Rajeev Krishna, directed the ANTF officials to send the proposal to authorities concerned for jurisdiction expansion and the setting up of a special court in line with provisions available to other specialised state and central agencies, according to a press statement. The objective is to strengthen the ANTF operational capabilities and enhance effectiveness in tackling the growing menace of narcotics trafficking, which poses a significant threat to the youth and society, the statement said. The ANTF was established in August 2022 to curb production, sale and purchase of narcotic substances in the state. The agency is also meant to take action against listed drug peddlers, mafia and gangs and maintain coordination with central agencies like Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Financial Intelligence Unit and Central Bureau of Narcotics to accelerate operational activities. A senior police official pointed out that several specialised agencies like U.P. Anti Terror Squad (ATS), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) operate with a wide-ranging jurisdiction of their police stations. These agencies, he said, have special courts for better coordination during the trial and other legal proceedings. 'In the absence of wide-range jurisdiction and no special courts, the ANTF has struggled to develop into a robust unit like the U.P. ATS and STF,' he said, adding, 'The ANTF is considered to be a dumping ground for police officers since its formation on August 23, 2022'. According to the statement, the DGP also directed the ANTF to ensure an increase in the quantity of narcotics recovered in the state. As per the ANTF, it has seized narcotics, drugs and psychotropic substances worth only ₹250 crore since its formation. The agency initiated action under Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PITNDPS Act), 1988 only in nine cases and under Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 in just 18 cases. The DGP laid stress on the importance of gathering high-quality intelligence and maintaining vigilance on the dark web, where digital networks of narcotics operate. He also directed the ANTF to establish coordination with financial transaction agencies and create a comprehensive financial database at the headquarters level. The ANTF, however, has also collaborated with the agriculture department to conduct digital mapping of narcotics cultivation. The DGP emphasised that the ANTF will be developed not just as a unit but as the sharpest weapon of the U.P. Police in the fight against narcotics. The inspection was attended by senior officials, including ADG (crime), IG (ANTF), SP (ANTF), and other officers.
News18
4 days ago
- 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
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Time of India
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 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 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 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 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.
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Indian Express
Chandigarh Police sends two drug peddlers to Assam jail
The Chandigarh Police's ANTF (Anti-Narcotics Task Force) has secured the preventive detention of two alleged habitual drug offenders — Bala and Deepak Mittal, alias Vicky, under the PITNDPS Act. Both individuals are now set to be lodged in Central Jail, Dibrugarh, Assam, police said. According to the police, the approval was granted by the Union Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue (PITNDPS unit), on May 2. As per police records, Bala, a 60-year-old resident of Sector 38-A, Chandigarh, is a known repeat offender with a criminal history spanning over 36 cases, including 10 under the NDPS Act. She operated her drug supply network from within her house, using minors and neighbours as couriers. Despite multiple convictions — including a 10-year rigorous imprisonment in 2015 — she continued her illegal activities. Similarly, Deepak Mittal, alias Vicky of Sector 45-C, Chandigarh, has been a prominent figure in heroin trafficking in the city. With multiple convictions and ongoing investigations, he remains a significant threat to public health and safety. This move aims to sever their local criminal networks and prevent further influence on their operations within Chandigarh, police said.
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh:Two habitual peddlers to be jailed in Assam to break local drug nexus
In an unprecedented move aimed at dismantling local drug networks, the Chandigarh Police are sending two of the city's most notorious drug peddlers, including a 64-year-old woman named Bala, to Dibrugarh Central Jail in Assam. 64-year-old Bala has 36 cases against her, including 10 under the NDPS Act and several for theft, rioting and culpable homicide. However, 47% of the cases registered against her have resulted in acquittals. (HT) Habitual offenders Bala, a resident of Sector 38-A, a hotbed of drug trafficking, and Deepak Mittal, alias Vicky, have been detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act. Both have repeatedly returned to drug trafficking despite multiple arrests and convictions, according to police. Police said the relocation was a strategic measure to break their local supply chains by lodging them far away from Chandigarh. The duo will be lodged in Assam for at least one year. The detention proposal was submitted under the PITNDPS Act by Chandigarh Police and approved by the Union ministry of finance's SAFEMA (Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators Act) unit. SP Crime Jasbir Singh said they were detained on Tuesday evening after receiving the approval and will be sent to Dibrugarh jail on Wednesday. A police official said the step was part of adopting a comprehensive approach of opening all fronts simultaneously in the fight against drug menace—financial investigation, seizure of property, preventive detention under PITNDPS, deciphering forward and backward linkages, and adopting top to bottom and bottom to top strategy in making the city drug-free. Bala has 36 cases against her, including 10 under the NDPS Act and several for theft, rioting and culpable homicide. However, 47% of the cases registered against her have resulted in acquittals. She has been active since 1992 and was convicted in 2015 in a drug case, but secured bail. Despite high-profile arrests, including the seizure of ₹ 5 lakh drug money and heroin from her home last year, she allegedly continues to sell drugs from inside her residence using children and neighbours as couriers. Mittal, too, is a seasoned heroin smuggler, who has been convicted in two cases and undergone sentences, yet has shown no signs of reform. He reportedly peddles heroin across Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali, and resumes operations each time he is released from jail.
