SC asks Centre, states to set up drug storage facilities in 6 months

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Centre and the states to set up within six months exclusive storage facilities for seized contraband, saying the menace of drugs in the country had “alarming dimensions and proportions”.

A Bench, headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur, said to prevent theft, pilferage or replacement of the seized drugs, agencies should set up exclusive storage facilities.

“The menace of drugs in this country...has alarming dimensions and proportions. Studies based on conferences and seminars have often shown that the menace is deep-rooted not only because drug lords have money power and transnational links, but also because enforcement agencies like the police and, at times, politicians in power, help them in carrying on what is known to be a money spinning and flourishing trade,” said the Bench, also comprising Justice Kurian Joseph.

It said, “The Central government and its agencies and also the state governments shall within six months from today take appropriate steps to set up storage facilities for the exclusive storage of seized Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic and Controlled Substances and Conveyances, duly equipped with vaults and double locking system to prevent theft, pilferage or replacement of the seized drugs.”  The Bench in its 58-page order asked the Chief Justices of High Courts to appoint a Committee of Judges on administrative side to supervise the progress made by the respective states with regard to compliance of its directions.

The order came on an appeal filed by Mohanlal and others with the court appointing senior advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha as Amicus Curiae, to take a realistic review of the procedure for search, disposal or destruction of the narcotics and the remedial steps needed to plug loopholes, if any.

Issuing a slew of directions for the disposal of seized contraband substances, the Apex Court said no sooner the seizure of any Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic and Controlled Substances and Conveyances is effected, the same shall be forwarded to the officer in-charge of the nearest police station or to the officer empowered under the Act.