Centre asked to apprise SC on safe custody of seized drugs

The Supreme Court today asked the Centre to spell out the action taken by it for implementation of the apex court direction on ensuring safe custody of narcotics and psychotropic substances seized by the enforcement agencies.
The apex court also asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to inform it about the progress in setting up de-addiction centers for rehabilitation of drug addicts.
A bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur asked the Centre's counsel to take instructions from the departments concerned and apprise it within six weeks.
(REOPENS LGD5)
Though the PIL raised several issues, the bench dwelt on two points: safe custody of the seized narcotics and steps taken for setting up of rehabilitation centres.

"Union of India should find out what action has been taken in pursuant to the earlier order of this court for safe custody of seized narcotics and also relating to de-addiction centre. We would like to know your (Centre) stand on these two aspects," the bench said.

Among other issues, the PIL sought intensified patrolling on the borders by armed forces so that smuggling of drugs can be checked and restricted efficiently.
The petitioner also sought amendment in laws relating to drug smuggling and said death sentence needs to be introduced in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for repeat offenders of drug trafficking.

"There needs to be change in the procedure for disposal of drugs and psychotropic substances which are caught and seized by the authorities concerned," the PIL said.
The petitioner alleged the central and state governments have miserably failed in controlling the rising menace as no strict actions are being taken to check and prevent drug peddling, trafficking and addictions.
The PIL, which sought direction issued to Centre, state governments, Defence Ministry, Home Ministry, and Police Department claimed that with a turnover of around USD 500 billion, drug is the third largest business in the world, after petroleum and arms trade.