GUWAHATI: The Assam Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in collaboration with Delhi's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), recently organized a day-long workshop aimed at enhancing the investigative skills of officers handling drug trafficking cases. The event, held at the NEDFI convention center in Dispur, was attended by 85 officers ranging from sub-inspectors to deputy superintendents of police from Assam Police.
The workshop featured sessions conducted by experienced faculty members from the NCB, covering various aspects of drug trafficking investigations. Topics such as search and seizure procedures, arrest protocols, evidence disposal, drug sampling techniques, financial investigation methods, asset freezing, and the submission of Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) proposals were discussed.
The valediction function was honored by the presence of Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta from the Gauhati High Court. The Additional Director General of Police (CID), A.Y.V Krishna, welcomed the Chief Justice and provided a report on the workshop proceedings. A presentation highlighting the achievements of the Assam Police in apprehending drug traffickers over the past two years was also delivered.
During his address, the Director General of Police (DGP) for Assam, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, emphasized the stringent measures being taken by the Assam Police to combat the drug menace and create a drug-free state. He commended the efforts of the police force and reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the issue.
Notably, the number of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act increased significantly over the years. In 2022 alone, a total of 2,878 cases were registered, compared to 455 in 2018, 828 in 2019, 980 in 2020, and 2,271 in 2021. The Assam Police made significant strides in combating drug trafficking, with the arrest of 4,691 traffickers and the seizure of various drugs including 112 kg of heroin, 49,000 kg of ganja (cannabis), 52 lakh tablets, over 21 lakh cough syrup bottles, and 215 kg of opium.
Efforts to combat drug trafficking involve coordinated initiatives focusing on demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction, with the involvement of multiple stakeholders. The Assam Police is closely monitoring NDPS Act cases and ensuring the timely filing of charge sheets. According to official sources, the conviction rate for NDPS Act cases in 2022 stood at approximately 47%. Furthermore, 26 habitual drug traffickers have been detained under the PITNDPS Act.
Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta shared insights based on his extensive experience and highlighted common mistakes made by investigating officers during the trial of NDPS Act cases. He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Assam Police in apprehending drug traffickers and expressed satisfaction with the workshop's deliberations.
“It was a day of fruitful deliberations and will help in a long way in improving the quality of investigations of drug trafficking cases,” he said.
The workshop conducted by the CID of Assam Police, in collaboration with the NCB, aimed to enhance the skills of investigation officers in tackling drug trafficking cases. The event was well-attended and received positive feedback from participants, including the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. The Assam Police's endeavors in combating drug trafficking have yielded significant results, with an increase in arrests and seizures, and concerted efforts continue to be made to address this critical issue.
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