JAMMU, Feb 4: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has made over 13,000 arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPSA) in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, yet it has secured a staggering total of only four convictions, highlighting significant loopholes in the agency’s investigation and prosecution efforts. This alarming statistic points to a systemic issue within the NCB’s operations and its effectiveness in curbing drug trafficking and illegal substance abuse.
The details were revealed in a response from the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, to a question in the Lok Sabha regarding the smuggling of narcotic substances in the country. According to the data shared, NCB’s operations in Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years have led to a rising number of arrests: 1,700 arrests in 2019, 1,769 in 2020, 2,217 in 2021, 2,755 in 2022, 3,072 in 2023, and 1,673 in 2024. Despite these arrests, the conviction rates remain abysmally low, with only one conviction each in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024, while there were no convictions in 2020.
The situation in the Union Territory of Ladakh is similarly concerning, where 11 arrests were made under NDPSA between 2021 and 2022, but none resulted in a conviction. This raises critical questions about the quality of investigations and the lack of follow-through in bringing drug offenders to justice.
Legal experts have strongly criticized the negligible conviction rate, particularly given the growing drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir. They argue that without stringent punishments for those involved in illegal drug activities, there can be no deterrence against the rampant drug abuse that is increasingly affecting the region’s youth. “The low conviction rate in NDPSA cases is indefensible, especially given the severity of the drug crisis in Jammu and Kashmir. The NCB must urgently address the flaws in its investigation processes and take corrective actions to ensure higher conviction rates,” said one expert.
Experts also pointed to the need for more robust and coordinated efforts in tackling drug-related crimes, noting that while arrests are being made, the lack of successful prosecutions undermines the overall impact of these efforts.
In response to concerns over the effectiveness of drug law enforcement, the Union Minister informed the Parliament that the Narcotics Control Division of the Department of Revenue has scheduled 134 narcotic drugs and 173 psychotropic substances under the NDPSA to better regulate and control substances, ensuring their availability for medical and scientific use. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs has established a four-tier Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to enhance collaboration between Central and State drug enforcement agencies and other stakeholders involved in controlling drug trafficking and abuse.
The Minister also highlighted the NCORD portal, which serves as a comprehensive platform for information related to drug law enforcement, including data on narco offenders, legal updates, and initiatives taken by various states and UTs.
However, experts emphasize that all agencies tasked with combating the drug menace must work together more efficiently. Only through better coordination, streamlined investigations, and swift judicial actions can the growing drug crisis in Jammu and Kashmir and across India be effectively addressed.