Strict enforcement of laws needed to tackle drug menace: CS

Srinagar, Jan 7: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Tuesday emphasised strict enforcement of relevant laws, proper rehabilitation of victims, and massive awareness generation to effectively tackle the drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairing the 12th UT Level NCORD Committee meeting, the Chief Secretary advocated the significance of a collective approach in combating this challenge.

Dulloo emphasised the need for collective efforts by the civil administration and Police department to eradicate this evil from society. He maintained that strict action against drug dealers would act as an effective deterrent for the people involved with this illicit practice. He called upon the investigation and prosecution agencies to prepare strong cases against such unscrupulous elements. He observed that sometimes tardy investigations and weak prosecutions lead to early acquittals of the arrested persons. He exhorted the Police Department to enhance the capacity of both Investigation Officers and Public Prosecutors so that the cases framed against the culprits succeed in making convictions in the court of law.

The Chief Secretary also enjoined the department to be strict against the police officers found defaulting on framing strong cases against the drug dealers. He also made out that the government employees found involved in NDPS cases should be taken to task as per the laws in vogue.

He enquired from each SSP about the bails/acquittals challenged in higher judicial forums. He said that all bail and acquittal orders passed should be assailed in higher courts.

He remarked that the motive of each investigation should be to turn the case into a successful conviction by following the requisite SoPs throughout the case proceedings right from seizure. He also quoted several Supreme Court directions passed to secure the nation from falling prey to this threat.

He said that the burden of proof in NDPS cases lies on the accused so here police should use the enforcement laws much more effectively to rid this region from the affliction affecting us badly. He also directed for audit of each case resulting in acquittals so that responsibility for any loophole found in the case is fixed properly.