Punjab's Actions Against Drug Trafficking and Abuse

Current Affairs National

Posted by newadmin on 2025-01-27 17:20:20 |

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Punjab is grappling with a severe drug crisis, aggravated by its geographical proximity to Pakistan and the Golden Crescent, a notorious drug trafficking route. In response to this growing issue, the Punjab government has requested a one-time special assistance of Rs 600 crore from the Centre. This funding will be used to establish special Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) courts to expedite the handling of drug-related cases.

About NDPS Courts
NDPS courts are specialized tribunals created under the NDPS Act of 1985, which regulates the production, sale, and use of narcotics. The Punjab government has highlighted the urgent need for these courts to address the backlog of 35,000 cases, a number that could increase without timely intervention.

Current Case Backlog
As of January 2025, the backlog of NDPS cases in Punjab stands at 35,000, with cases taking an average of seven years to resolve in session courts. This timeline could extend to 11 years if no immediate action is taken. To address this, Punjab plans to set up 79 new NDPS courts.

Funding and Resources Required
The Punjab government has requested Rs 60 crore annually for the next decade to facilitate the establishment of these courts. The funding will be used to appoint public prosecutors and hire necessary staff. Punjab also seeks resources under the National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse to support anti-narcotics operations and the establishment of de-addiction centres.

Geographical Challenges
Punjab's unique location makes it highly vulnerable to drug smuggling. The state shares a 552 km border with Pakistan, with gaps in fencing that traffickers exploit. Increased border security has led to the use of drones for smuggling, further complicating interception efforts.

Key Facts About the Golden Crescent
The Golden Crescent is one of Asia’s largest illicit opium production regions, located at the crossroads of Central, South, and Western Asia. It includes Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, with Afghanistan being the primary producer of opium. The region is infamous for organized crime, including drug trafficking, which funds terrorism and insurgency.

Indian states like Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, due to their proximity to the Indo-Pakistan border, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of drug trafficking, which transits heroin and hashish.

Judicial Support and Recommendations
In September 2024, the Punjab and Haryana High Court acknowledged the need for special NDPS courts. The Law Commission’s 1997 report also highlighted the inadequacies in the enforcement of the NDPS Act and recommended the establishment of these special courts as a necessary measure.

Punjab’s Drug Control Efforts
Punjab has been actively addressing drug abuse in recent years. Since 2022, over 31,500 NDPS cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 43,000 individuals and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics. The state has also frozen assets worth Rs 449 crore linked to drug traffickers and created a comprehensive criminal database to enhance case management.

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