Punjab and Haryana High Court cracks down on drug peddlers, calls for zero-tolerance approach

Declaring drug peddlers, a serious threat to society, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has made it clear that such “minacious” offenders cannot be dealt with leniently, given the worsening narcotics menace. Raising alarm over its growing threat, Justice Sandeep Moudgil asserted that narcotics smuggling was not just a law enforcement issue, but a major socio-economic crisis corroding the nation’s youth and economy.

Expressing grave concern over the country’s vulnerability due to its geographical location, the court noted that the border with seven nations made it highly susceptible to cross-border drug smuggling. The Attari-Wagah corridor, in particular, had become a key trafficking route, owing to agricultural land along the border, and riverine passages that made enforcement difficult.

“As a developing economy, India has multiple socio-economic challenges associated with drug usage such as consumption of opium, hash and heroin which are of concern as India shares its borders with seven countries, which makes it porous for illegal drug trafficking. The Attari-Wagah route between India and Pakistan is the most prominent for illegal trafficking for host of factors such as agricultural land, trains up to the borders and various riverine portions,” Justice Moudgil asserted.

The court was hearing arguments on an anticipatory bail filed by an accused in a case registered in May last year under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act registered at the Gharinda police station in Amritsar. “This well-oiled machinery of drug circulation creates a massive illicit market, amplifies social conflict, breeds corruption and above all encourages drug consumption,” Justice Moudgil added. Referring to a Supreme Court ruling, the court reiterated that drug smuggling had led to a devastating increase in addiction, especially among students and youngsters of both genders. “The menace has grown to alarming proportions in recent years,” the apex court had warned, while emphasising the need for a zero-tolerance approach to narcotics.

Making it clear that drug traffickers could not be afforded any leniency, Justice Moudgil cited another judgment where the Supreme Court categorically held that a “liberal approach is uncalled for” in bail matters under the NDPS Act. Echoing the same stance, the high court observed, “Such minacious drug peddlers should not be dealt with leniently”.

The court further noted that stringent provisions in the NDPS Act, including mandatory minimum imprisonment and fines, were introduced precisely to combat the deep-rooted drug mafia operating across state and national borders.

Calling for a multi-pronged strategy, the court indicated the pressing need for greater vigilance, international cooperation, and robust rehabilitation programmes to address the crisis comprehensively in addition to strict legal measures.

“This court is of the firm view that custodial interrogation of the petitioner is required particularly in view of the fact that serious overt act has been attributed to him”, the court concluded while turning down the plea.