NCJ Number
121058
Journal
Indian Journal of Social Work Volume: 50 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1989) Pages: 113-117
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 gives the Central Government responsibility for combating drug abuse with the cooperation of the State Governments.
Abstract
Prohibited by the Act are cultivation of the Cocoa Plant, opium and cannabis; activities connected with production, manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, imports or exports of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, except for medical or scientific purposes; and dealing in such drugs outside India. The Act provides for severe punishment in major offenses with the minimum mandatory punishment for the first offense set at rigorous imprisonment for a term of not less than 10 years together with a fine. Possession of small quantities for personal use incur lesser punishments. Without a search warrant requirement, law enforcement agencies have liberal search privileges. An Amendment Act, 1989 provides for forfeiture of property derived from or used in illicit trafficking as well as more stringent bail requirements. Because of difficulties with the control of seized drugs, specific provisions allow for pretrial disposal and acceptance in court of statements as a substitute for evidence in such cases.