Drug seizure at jail raises concern over security lapses

The seizure of a huge quantity of drugs and other objectionable material during a search launched on Friday at the high-security Central Jail in Goindwal Sahib has raised question marks over possible security lapses

Sub-inspector Balwinder Singh, who is investigating the matter, said that the recovered matter includes 1.170 kg of heroin. As many as 98 grams of opium, 218 grams of intoxicating material, 5,150 intoxicating tablets, 13 mobiles, six mobile SIM cards, three chargers etc. Sukhpal Singh Sandhu, Deputy Jail Superintendent (Security), led the team in launching a search.

The Central Jail authorities have registered a case under Section 18-B, 20, 21-C, 61 and 85 of the NDPS Act and Section 42 and 52 of the Prisons Act on Friday. Drugs and other objectionable articles were recovered hidden under the cemented seat for use as bed for the jail inmates.

Sub-inspector Balwinder Singh said that all the recovered mobiles besides other articles have been taken into possession by the police and the history of the mobile movement is being reviewed and their contacts searched. Balwinder Singh said that there are 36 convicts lodged in the ward.

There are reports that drug trade is being run from within the jail complex and some jail staff too was seen involved in the trade in the past.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abhimanyu Rana said on Saturday that the recovery of a huge quantity of drugs besides other objectionable articles was a serious thing and detailed investigations have been initiated to locate those responsible for it. The SSP said that police investigation will uncover the links.