Narcotics Crackdown Netting More Arrests, But Conviction Rate Dropping

NCB Drug Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-08-26 09:29:20 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-26 11:50:11

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Despite a intensified crackdown on drug peddlers this year, data from Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) and Haryana Police, there is a concerning dip in conviction rates for narcotics cases.

Between January to July this year, 2,161 FIRs were registered compared to 2,022 in 2024 - a 6.87% increase. Arrests rose 35.21%, from 2,684 to 3,629. Commercial quantity cases increased from 238 to 267 (12.18%).

However, conviction rates in commercial quantity cases slid from 72.72% in 2024 to 56.75% this year.

Talking about this trend, OP Singh, DGP HSNCB, attributed these falls to technical lapses. These include non-compliance with Sections 42 and 50, lack of independent witnesses, delays in FSL dispatch, and chain-of-custody issues.

To address these, the bureau has begun intensive training for Investigating Officers (IO), set up NDPS-specific malkhanas, issued SOPs for seizure and sampling, and ensured quicker dispatch to FSLs.

SPs and CPs are reviewing acquittals, while the Director of Prosecution studies systemic gaps.

Singh commented on their clear goal of combining vigorous enforcement with watertight prosecution to ensure justice.

Despite the current dip, HSNCB has a strong overall conviction rate with 1,712 NDPS cases registered from 2020 to 2025, and 65 out of 82 decided cases ended in conviction, giving a conviction rate of 84.41%.

Other indications of trafficking pressure include:

Interstate arrests rose 36.57% (from 175 to 293)

Preventive detentions rose nearly 80% (from 8 to 39)

Multi-accused cases doubled from 574 to 1,030

This reflects that they are tightening grip on the supply network, targeting traffickers at every level, said Singh, adding that the bureau is also focusing on prevention by conducting awareness programs and engaging with youth.

The DGP warned that abusing prescription drugs like tramadol, tapentadol, and pregabalin can be lethal, causing clotting, cardiac arrest, or sudden death.

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