Punjab Unleashes Head Constables in Major Boost to Anti-Drug Fight

In a significant and strategic move to escalate its war on drugs, the Punjab government has issued a groundbreaking notification empowering Head Constables to serve as investigating officers (IOs) in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This crucial policy shift, effective immediately, aims to inject much-needed efficiency and speed into the investigation and trial process of drug-related crimes across the state.

Previously, the authority to investigate NDPS cases was strictly limited to officers holding the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) or higher.

This restriction, while ensuring senior oversight, often led to a severe shortage of investigating officers, particularly in the face of Punjab's pervasive drug menace. The consequence was a significant backlog in investigations and a prolonged judicial process, often allowing offenders to exploit delays.

The new directive, issued by the Principal Secretary, Department of Home Affairs and Justice, meticulously outlines the scope of this enhanced power.

Head Constables are now authorized to investigate offenses under specific sections of the NDPS Act—including Sections 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27A, 28, 29, and 30—provided these cases involve 'small quantities' of illicit substances. This qualification is key, as it ensures that commercial quantity cases, which typically involve larger networks and more complex investigations, will still remain under the purview of ASIs and more senior officers.

This decisive action stems from a robust recommendation put forth by the Special Task Force (STF) against drugs, led by ADGP Harpreet Sidhu.

Sidhu had previously highlighted the acute shortage of ASIs and Sub-Inspectors (SIs) available for drug investigations, a bottleneck that severely hampered the state's efforts to curb drug trafficking and abuse. By delegating responsibility for smaller quantity cases to Head Constables, the government anticipates a substantial freeing up of senior officers, allowing them to focus their expertise and resources on tackling the more intricate and large-scale drug syndicates.

The notification marks a pivotal moment, especially considering past legal interpretations.

In 2014, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had ruled that a Head Constable lacked the legal authority to investigate cases under the NDPS Act. The current government notification effectively addresses and supersedes this past ruling, providing a clear legal framework for Head Constables to now play a vital role in drug enforcement.

This strategic empowerment of Head Constables is expected to revolutionize how Punjab's police force combats narcotics.

It promises not only an acceleration of investigations and a reduction in judicial delays but also a significant bolstering of the state's overall capacity to bring drug offenders to justice more swiftly and effectively. It's a clear signal from the Punjab government of its unwavering commitment to eradicating the drug problem and ensuring a safer future for its citizens.