Chandigarh ANTF Intensifies Crackdown: Four More Drug Peddlers Jailed Under PIT NDPS Act
In a significant escalation of its anti-narcotics operations, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in Chandigarh has secured the detention of four more drug peddlers under the stringent Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act. The detention orders were issued by UT Home Secretary Mandeep Brar, marking a continued effort to dismantle drug networks in the city.
Stringent Legal Action Under PIT NDPS Act
The PIT NDPS Act, implemented by the Government of India in 1988, is a powerful legislative tool designed to combat illegal drug trafficking. It allows authorities to detain individuals involved in such activities for up to one year, preventing them from continuing their operations while legal proceedings are underway. This act is particularly effective against habitual offenders and those with multiple cases pending.
Officials have confirmed that another list of drug peddlers is being prepared, indicating that more arrests are likely in the near future. This proactive approach underscores the administration's commitment to curbing the drug menace in Chandigarh.
Details of the Latest Detentions
The latest action saw the ANTF invoke the PIT NDPS Act against three men with extensive criminal records:
- Ramkrishan, a resident of Manimajra, had nine pending cases against him, including eight at the IT Park police station and one at the Manimajra police station.
- Dishant Mittal faced nine NDPS-related cases registered across multiple police stations: two each at stations 36, 26, and 19, and one each at Sarangpur, police station 17, Sector 14 police station in Panchkula, and Pinjore police station.
- Deepak Mittal alias Vicky, from Sector 45-C, was described as part of an active drug network and had eight cases against him, including six at police station 34 and one each at stations 49 and 11.
In addition to these three, police detained 37-year-old Gagan alias Gogi of Dadumajra Colony under the same act and sent him to Burail jail. He was characterized as a habitual criminal and notorious drug trafficker, highlighting the focus on repeat offenders.
Context of Ongoing Crackdown
This action follows an earlier crackdown by the ANTF, during which three drug traffickers were jailed under the PIT NDPS Act. Among them was a woman referred to as a "drug queen" named Bala, a notorious operator in the drug trade. She was sentenced to one year in jail under the act, with police records showing 36 criminal cases against her, of which 24 were linked to drug supply and sale.
The consistent application of the PIT NDPS Act demonstrates a strategic shift towards preventive detention to disrupt drug networks before they can cause further harm. Officials emphasize that with additional detention proposals under preparation, the crackdown on drug peddlers in Chandigarh will continue unabated, aiming to create a safer environment for residents.
