Those getting intoxicated using drugs and psychotropic substances, beware. The police will be booking them under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
This direction by Mangaluru Police Commissioner R. Hithendra comes in light of the reports of increased drug abuse among youths.
Mr. Hithendra told The Hindu he had directed the personnel to check persons appearing to be in an intoxicated state, adding, “If we find the presence of drugs, s/he will be booked under the NDPS Act.”
The Commissioner said the police would be booking them under Section 27 of the Act. These persons will be put through counselling. So far no such cases were booked in the city, he said.
Under Section 27, if a person is said to have consumed cocaine, morphine or similar drugs listed by the Union government, s/he will be liable for one year of imprisonment or a fine up to Rs. 20,000, or for both. Those found to have consumed drugs not listed by the Centre are liable for an imprisonment of six months or a fine of Rs. 10,000, or both.
There have been complaints of youths intoxicated by ganja indulging in criminal activities in Ullal and Ulaibettu. Concerns have also been expressed about sale of intoxicating substances near educational institutions.
The lack of necessary personnel, Mr. Hithendra said, was hindering the police from going to the root of the supply of ganja. The Criminal Investigation Department’s Narcotic Drugs wing had been entrusted with the task of finding the perpetrators, he added.
