Conviction rate in NDPS cases dips despite surge in arrests, seizures

The Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) and Haryana Police have intensified their crackdown on drug peddlers this year, but conviction rates in narcotics cases have shown a worrying decline.

Between January and July this year, 2,161 FIRs were registered compared to 2,022 in 2024 — a 6.87% rise. Arrests shot up 35.21%, from 2,684 to 3,629. Commercial quantity cases climbed from 238 to 267 (12.18%), while intermediate cases jumped nearly 31%, from 1,142 to 1,493.

Yet convictions in commercial quantity cases slid from 72.72% in 2024 to 56.75% this year.

“The fall in conviction rate in NDPS commercial quantity cases — from 72% in January-July 2024 to 56% this year — reflects technical lapses such as non-compliance with Sections 42 and 50, lack of independent witnesses, delays in FSL dispatch, and chain-of-custody issues,” said OP Singh, DGP HSNCB.

To address this, Singh said, the bureau has begun intensive training for Investigating Officers, set up NDPS-specific malkhanas, issued SOPs for seizure and sampling and ensured quicker dispatch to FSLs. “SPs and CPs are reviewing acquittals while the Director of Prosecution studies systemic gaps. Our aim is clear: vigorous enforcement backed by watertight prosecution to ensure justice.”

Despite the dip, HSNCB’s overall conviction record is strong. From 2020–2025, it registered 1,712 NDPS cases. Of 82 decided, 65 ended in conviction, giving a conviction rate of 84.41%.

Other figures point to growing pressure on traffickers. Interstate arrests rose 36.57%, from 175 to 293. Preventive detentions surged nearly 80%, from 8 to 39. Multi-accused cases nearly doubled, from 574 to 1,030. “These numbers show that our grip on the supply network is tightening. We are targeting traffickers at every level, from local peddlers to interstate cartels,” Singh said.

The bureau has also flagged a disturbing new trend. With narcotics harder to procure, addicts are turning to crushed tablets like tramadol, tapentadol, and pregabalin, which they inject. Medical experts warn this can cause clotting, cardiac arrest or sudden death.

“Improvised drug substitutes like injecting crushed tablets are not only hazardous, they are lethal. Misuse of such medicines can stop the heart instantly. No high is worth a life,” Singh cautioned.

Alongside enforcement, HSNCB is focusing on prevention. In the first seven months of the current calendar year, it conducted 698 awareness programmes reaching 1.15 lakh people and engaged 2.8 lakh youth across 4,270 villages through sports initiatives.