Himachal House passes resolution to make NDPS Act more ‘stringent’

The resolution proposes a minimum 10-12 years in jail with Rs 5 lakh fine for drug related offences. It also proposes life imprisonment for drug trafficking syndicates, and confiscation of property earned through drug trade. The resolution also recommends formation of committees to create awareness about drug addiction.

As per the NDPS Act, punishment for various offences related to supply, manufacture and amount of drugs confiscated in possession of accused varies from one year to 20 years in jail with a maximum fine of Rs 1 lakh.

As per the Section 37 of the NDPS Act, a court can grant bail to the accused if it is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the person is not guilty of such offence and that they are not likely to commit any offence while on bail.

Stating that drugs, especially ‘chitta’ (heroin), is ruining the young generations, Agnihotri urged the members of the House not to use their influence in matters related to drug-related offences.

Agnihotri informed the House that 530 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act with the arrest of 728 people till February 28, 2023. Charge sheets were filed against 238 people in 182 cases while two people were convicted, he added.

Last month, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had said that an advisory board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act would also be constituted to check the menace in addition to forming a special task force to break drug supply chain.