DRUG TRAFFICKERS

There are several layers of major drug traffickers in the illicit drug market who form the vital link between the illicit manufacturers / smugglers and the street peddlers who actually sell the drugs to addicts. 

Apprehending and prosecuting them is one of the most important elements of drug control. As they are highly organized and efficient, apprehending them requires concerted efforts and specialized skills.

While as per the NDPS Act, 1985, any officer empowered under the Act may arrest and prosecute drug traffickers, it shall be the primary responsibility of the specialized drug enforcement organizations such as Narcotics Control Bureau, Central Bureau of Narcotics, Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence and the special anti-narcotics cells, by whatever name they are called, in the State Police and other organizations to collect intelligence about drug trafficking, apprehend drug traffickers, investigate cases and prosecute the offenders.

Wherever necessary, Prevention of Illicit Traffic in NDPS (PITNDPS) Act may be used to secure preventive detention of the major drug traffickers. As they deal in large volumes, and earn substantially through trafficking, every effort will be made by the concerned organization to identify, seize and freeze his properties and follow up the case vigorously till his properties are forfeited.