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Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Dope tests soar amid rising arrests, rehab escapes in Punjab
Bathinda: Punjab's 'Yudh Nashia Virudh' anti-drug campaign has increased the frequency of dope tests on suspected addicts and those seeking immunity from prosecution through treatment. As police intensify their crackdown on drug users and peddlers, a major rise in arrests and dope tests at civil hospitals across the state has been reported. The heightened enforcement has led many users to volunteer for de-addiction or rehabilitation, hoping to secure immunity from prosecution under Section 64A of NDPS Act. This provision offers a path to avoid legal action for those charged with consuming small quantities of drugs, provided they undergo complete treatment. Police crime data indicates a rise in cases involving the possession of small or micro quantities of drugs, often for self-consumption. Following the state govt's push for results, even individuals with minimal drug quantities are being targeted. Tips and complaints lead to suspected persons being taken for dope tests at govt facilities. A positive result often leads to custody under Section 27 (consumption) or Section 27A (financing illicit traffic, harbouring offenders) of NDPS Act. Under a special provision from the Union ministry of finance, addicts volunteering for treatment can receive immunity from prosecution. However, this immunity can be withdrawn if treatment is not completed. Sources suggest that many opting for immunity do not complete their full course of treatment, often obtaining alternative medications from rehab centres. Recent reports from Bathinda show three cases registered under Section 27, with four accused taken into custody after positive dope test results. Similar arrests are occurring daily across various districts. In the past two months, Bathinda police have registered 70 cases under Section 27 of NDPS Act, leading to 85 addicts being admitted to rehab centres under Section 64A. Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Instances of addicts attempting to flee rehabilitation centers have been observed. On June 21, 18 drug addicts escaped from the de-addiction centre at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot; seven were later apprehended. Eight of the escapees had existing NDPS Act cases. Similar incidents occurred in Phagwara on June 12, where four addicts fled the civil hospital's de-addiction center, though three initial escapees were caught. In Gurdaspur, five drug addicts absconded from a de-addiction center within nine days in June. BOX Fleeing de-addiction centres June | Five drug addicts absconded from a de-addiction centre within nine days June 12 | Four drug addicts fled the civil hospital's de-addiction center, though three initial escapees were caught June 21 | A total of 18 drug addicts escaped from a de-addiction centre at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot; seven were later apprehended. Eight of the escapees had existing NDPS Act cases. Bathinda police have registered 70 cases under Section 27 of NDPS Act, leading to 85 addicts being admitted to rehab centres under Section 64A. MSID:: 122182723 413 | Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Time of India
Hyderabad students' overseas dreams dashed as drug charges stall admissions and travel
HYDERABAD :They cracked entrance exams, secured admissions, and began planning their future abroad. But for several students from Hyderabad, one mistake derailed everything. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, some lost their chance to fly out even after getting visas and flight tickets. Others had to pause midway, attending counselling and awaiting court clearance instead of joining universities. Many were caught during farewell or celebration parties where they consumed cannabis or other drugs. Some were first-timers, others occasional or regular users. 'I never touched drugs in college. Before flying out for my master's, I went to Goa with friends and tried hash for the first time. I was caught,' said a 23-year-old who had to suspend his plans due to an ongoing police case. Another 25-year-old, headed to Australia, said, 'At a party, my friends used my phone to pay the peddler. The police tracked the payment to me.' Drugs disrupted careers These are not isolated cases. De-addiction experts say hundreds of high-achieving students have had their careers disrupted due to drug-related offences. Peer pressure, ignorance of legal implications, and troubled childhoods are some common factors. 'Once caught, the biggest dilemma is whether to disclose the case on visa forms, immigration documents, or job applications,' said K Devika Rani, a de-addiction expert who works with the police. She added that many students lose parental support after such incidents, compounding their distress. Legal clearance can take up to a year, with mandatory training and court procedures. Students often miss at least two academic sessions and are sometimes called as witnesses in court to seek immunity under Section 64A by cooperating in the peddler's trial.
