LABORATORIES for narcotic substances

The NDPS Act, 1985 spreads the network of enforcement far and wide by enabling the Central Government and the State Governments to empower any of their officers to enforce it. Hence, we have a large number of agencies seizing drugs in the country. 

Although the total number of seizures in the country (about 20,000 per year) is not very large compared to the size and population of the country, these seizures are made by several agencies in several parts of the country. Several forensic labs in the country test these samples. 

These are the Central Revenue Chemical Laboratory (CRCL), the Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSL) and the State Forensic Laboratories (FSL) of each State. Successful prosecution of offenders hinges on the quality of test reports. 

Each of the seized samples has to be tested quickly, precisely and accurately as the test report forms the basis for trial of the accused. On the other hand, if the seized substance is not a drug, a quick and accurate report helps exonerate those who are arrested but against whom there is no evidence.

1. The Government of India shall continuously build the capacities of the personnel working in the forensic labs in the country and improve the quality of their equipment so as to get in the shortest possible time precise and accurate test reports which can withstand the legal scrutiny.

2. In order to achieve the above objective, one nodal national drug testing laboratory will be identified which shall, in addition to testing samples that it receives, be responsible for the following:

a) Developing/ documenting/ prescribing standard testing protocols for each narcotic drug, psychotropic substance and precursor and any other related tests.

b) Developing/ documenting/ prescribing standard methods for testing samples of blood, urine, etc. to confirm consumption of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances by any person.

c) Developing advanced forensic testing methods such as impurity profiling.

d) Developing standardized forms of reporting which can withstand legal scrutiny.

e) Publishing and disseminating manuals on the above to all the forensic science labs in the country.

f) Identifying the basic minimum equipment required to conduct tests to determine the nature and purity of any narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or precursor.

g) Identify the gaps between the equipment that is required and that which is available in each of the labs.

h) Make recommendations on the equipment required to strengthen each laboratory.

i) Conduct training programmes for the personnel working in various forensic laboratories in the country.