Nagaland Police and Excise Department officials during the destruction of what was touted as “biggest destruction of banned drugs” at Kohima Municipal dumping site, Meriema on November 30, 2022. Seized drugs collectively worth over Rs 41 crore were destroyed during the occasion, informs an official release. (Photo: PRO, PHQ Nagaland/Morung File)
June 26 is International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Dimapur, June 25 (MExN): Nagaland State Excise department today reiterated its appeal and urged the people of the State and all the organisations, NGOs working in the related field to put a concerted effort to eradicate the drug menace.
In a statement issued on the eve of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26), the department also called for an affirmation by all to refrain from harbouring any drug traffickers/peddlers in any form directly or indirectly but immediately report any incident of commission of offence under NDPS Act taking place or likely within their vicinity.
With the theme, “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention,” the day will be observed across the globe under aegis of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The statement issued by Commissioner of Excise & Prohibition H Atokhe Aye, also highlighted some legal provisions related with drug abuse and illicit trafficking for general awareness among the public.
Among others, it pointed out that illegal dealing in drugs, in any form - sale, possession, transaction, transportation, export, import inside India or from outside is prohibited and punishable under NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act 1985, with punishment ranging from 10 to 20 yrs imprisonment and with fine from Rs1 Lakh to Rs 2 lakhs or with both.
Likewise, allowing premises, warehouse, godown, vehicles, or use of any kind of conveyance will be liable for confiscation to the State under NDPS Act with similar punishment and fines, it said.
Similar punishment and fines are applicable for concealment of narcotic drugs in any form by goods, things or any items, it added.
The department further stated that the NDPS Act also prescribes “stringent punishment to the extent of ‘Death Penalty’ for repeated offences committed either in India or abroad.”
Any property, assets, movable or immovable bank accounts/bank balances acquired or derived from drug money by either spouse, family members/associates, and friends, are liable for attachment to the State and bank accounts/bank balances frozen under the NDPS Act, it added.
