Demonetisation: Fewer drugs-related cases, cops point to cash crunch

Most of the cases recorded in November pertained to consumption. “The maximum seizures are of hashish and marijuana, which are relatively cheaper street drugs. Party drugs such as cocaine and heroin, which are sold for anywhere between Rs1,000 and Rs3,000 per gram, have disappeared from the market,” said a senior official from the ANC, adding that most peddlers have taken a break from business.

“It is only obvious that a cash-intensive industry such as narcotics will be hit hard because of demonetisation,” he said. Investigating agencies also point out that cartels involved in trafficking drugs from Jammu, Himachal and even Goa have stopped their supply. In addition, landing points in the state, including Mumbai, Nashik and Pune have not witnessed any movement in the past three weeks.

Sanjay Jha, Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), said the agency, which carries out large-scale consignment seizures worth crores, has not made any significant confiscations since the demonetisation.

“Our last big case was before demonetisation, when we seized 2 kg cocaine worth over Rs 10 crore. In the second week of November, we had information about a large haul of banned drug. But it was mere 54 bottles of codeine phosphate and 285 alprazolam tablets. Inquiry revealed the dealer couldn’t go ahead with the consignment as he was cash-strapped,” said Jha.

The NCB had made at least five to six large seizures in the corresponding period last year.