In a significant development, the number of cases registered under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act has surged over fourfold in recent years. This dramatic rise highlights the extensive use of this stringent law by both central agencies and state police forces to combat organized drug smuggling networks.
The PITNDPS Act, enacted in 1988, allows for the detention of habitual drug traffickers for up to a year and the attachment of their properties. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been actively encouraging anti-narcotics units to apply this law more rigorously, aiming to dismantle drug smuggling syndicates and their financiers.
Sharp Increase in Cases
According to the Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) annual report for 2023-24, the number of cases initiated under the PITNDPS Act has seen a significant rise. In 2020, only 159 cases were recorded, which increased to 340 in 2021, 707 in 2022, and 719 in 2023. In the first few months of this year alone, 182 cases have already been initiated.
“The objective is to target individuals such as (drug smuggling) syndicates, financiers, and their agents who organize things from behind the scenes,” an officer said, requesting anonymity. “Under the PITNDPS, once a preventive detention order is issued against a suspect, their illegally acquired properties or that of their relatives and associates can be seized, frozen, and forfeited through a quasi-judicial process.”
Strategy and Implementation
The PITNDPS Act is not a substitute for prosecution but serves as an additional tool to combat organized drug trafficking. An officer explained, “It is invoked to snap the nexus/network of crime. It is a very potent law, which has been extremely underutilized.”
Detailing the process under the PITNDPS Act, another officer said that sponsoring authorities such as police, NCB, or Customs send proposals for preventive detention to the detaining authority. Only officers at the rank of joint secretary and above in the Union government and secretary rank in states are permitted to issue such detention orders.
Shah, in a high-level Narco-coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting in Delhi last month, urged all states and central agencies to “increase the use of PITNDPS”. He has consistently emphasized the need for a ruthless approach against drug smuggling networks, focusing on dismantling the supply chains rather than targeting users.
Trends in Drug Smuggling
The NCB report highlights several trends in drug smuggling in India, including increased trafficking through the dark net using cryptocurrencies, seizures from check-in baggage, body concealment, air cargo at airports, diversion of pharmaceutical drugs, and the influx of ATS from Myanmar through courier parcels.
Over the past decade, more than 500,000 kg of drugs worth ₹22,000 crore have been seized across the country. This is a stark increase compared to the 52,000 kg worth ₹5,933 crore seized between 2004 and 2014.
Conclusion
The surge in cases under the PITNDPS Act reflects a concerted effort by Indian authorities to tackle the growing menace of drug trafficking. By leveraging stringent laws and enhancing coordination among various agencies, the government aims to dismantle the intricate networks that fuel the drug trade. As these efforts continue, the focus remains on ensuring that traffickers face severe consequences while protecting the integrity of the nation’s borders and communities.
“Explore the dramatic fourfold increase in drug trafficking cases under the PITNDPS Act in India since 2020, highlighting the government’s rigorous efforts to combat organized drug smuggling networks.”
