Latest news with #PreventionofIllicitTrafficinNarcoticDrugsandPsychotropicSubstancesAct
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.
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.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Time of India
Man injured in attack
Kochi: A Thiruvananthapuram-native sustained injuries in a drunken brawl at Aluva private bus stand on Friday afternoon. Police said that a three-member gang attacked the victim, identified as Anshad, with a sword inflicting multiple injuries. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and his condition was said to be stable. Police said that the attackers regularly loitered around the bus stand and efforts are on to track them. Aluva East police have registered an FIR and began an investigation. Preventive detention: A 28-year-old man was moved to the Poojappura jail for preventive detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The Act was invoked against Garshon, 28, from Fort Kochi.
