In a relentless effort to combat the drug epidemic in the border state, the Punjab police have launched a sweeping crackdown on drug peddlers, taking an uncompromising stance against those responsible for drug overdose-related deaths. Among the latest measures aimed at tackling the drug crisis in the State, the drug suppliers are now being charged under Section 304 — culpable homicide not amounting to murder — of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in cases involving drug overdose deaths.
Besides, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, is also being applied against the suppliers, marking a significant escalation in the fight against drug trafficking.
The state’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Headquarters, Sukhchain Singh Gill, on Monday highlighted that the police have begun identifying the drug suppliers connected to drug overdose fatalities. Importantly, it has been decided, in alignment with the directives of the Director General of Police (DGP), that individuals struggling with drug addiction will be treated as victims rather than as criminals. The primary focus of the crackdown will squarely be on apprehending and prosecuting the drug suppliers.
“The DGP’s instructions on apprehending culprits in drug-related cases are unequivocal. Addicts will be treated as victims and provided rehabilitation services. Meanwhile, drug suppliers will face charges of culpable homicide under Section 304 of the IPC, in addition to the prosecution under the NDPS Act,” said IGP Gill.
Maintaining that every drug overdose death will be under Police scanner now, IGP Gill said: “A person has knowledge that his action can lead to death and in case of death overdose, it is assumed that a person, who has supplied drugs, knows that his act can lead to death of someone.”
“So, in every case of overdose death, we will investigate the role of suppliers. And in case, it is established on a preliminary basis, the supplier can be booked under 304 of the IPC and we will ensure that he is punished,” he said, adding that there have been several instances of deaths due to drug overdose in the State.
In the ongoing battle against the drug epidemic, the police have made a significant move by confiscating properties valued at Rs 30 crore belonging to contraband suppliers, utilizing the legal provisions within the NDPS Act.
Emphasizing that accountability within the police force is paramount, IGP Gill said that in cases where prominent drug smugglers manage to secure bail due to a delay in filing charge sheets, police personnel will not escape the scrutiny. “Notices have been issued to the police officers, including Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and Station House Officers (SHOs), concerning any lapses in this regard. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav has issued uncompromising directives to ensure that no drug smuggler enjoys default bail,” he added.
Punjab Police has meticulously implemented a three-pronged strategy. This strategy encompasses robust enforcement, active engagement with the public, and efforts to reduce the demand for narcotics, said the IGP, while underscoring the importance of these measures in the state police force’s relentless fight against drugs.
In the enforcement aspect, Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) have been instructed to conduct extensive operations against street-level peddlers and suppliers to disrupt the drug supply chain at the grassroots level. Those found in possession of small quantities of drugs will be treated as victims, with Section 64A of the NDPS Act allowing them to seek treatment and receive immunity from prosecution through the court. Special attention is also being given to pharmaceutical drugs.
The public contact program involves police teams conducting awareness campaigns in villages and neighborhoods, enlisting the support of school children, college students, and NGOs to organize rallies, workshops, seminars, runs, and cycle rallies to educate the public about the detrimental effects of drugs.
To reduce drug demand, the police will collaborate with district administrations, the health department, education department, and sports department to identify consumers and provide rehabilitation opportunities to redirect their energies in a positive direction.
Over the past month, the Punjab police have arrested 183 major players involved in drug smuggling operations and seized 240 kilograms of heroin from various locations in the state, including intercepting cross-border consignments. A total of 117 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act, as confirmed by officials.
Punjab Police have arrested a staggering 19,093 drug smugglers, including 2,778 major players, since July 5, 2022. A total of 14,179 first information reports (FIRs) have been lodged, with 1,717 related to commercial quantities.
IGP Gill, addressing a press conference, disclosed that the police teams have seized 1,400.77 kilograms of heroin through cordon and search operations (CASO) in drug-affected areas and checkpoints at vulnerable routes throughout the State. Furthermore, Punjab Police seized an additional 147.5 kilograms of heroin from seaports in Gujarat and Maharashtra, bringing the total heroin recovery to a staggering 1,548.27 kilograms in just 14 months.
In addition to the significant heroin hauls, IGP Gill noted that the police have also confiscated 871.82 kilograms of opium, 446.30 quintals of poppy husk, and 90.59 lakh tablets, capsules, injections, and vials of pharmaceutical opioids across the state. The police have also recovered Rs 13.96 crore in drug money from arrested drug smugglers in the past 14 months.
In the past week alone, the police have apprehended 333 drug smugglers and suppliers, filing 242 FIRs, including 27 related to commercial quantities. They have also seized 28.88 kilograms of heroin, 3.17 kilograms of opium, 6.36 quintals of poppy husk, and 1.21 lakh tablets, capsules, injections, and vials of pharmaceutical opioids. Additionally, Rs 10.12 lakh in drug money was confiscated from their possession.
Moreover, as part of the ongoing drive to arrest Proclaimed Offenders (POs) and absconders in NDPS cases, 11 more individuals were apprehended in the last week, bringing the total number of arrests to 1,062 since the initiative began on July 5, 2022.