Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 27 June 2024
In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Andaman and Nicobar Police undertook a significant mass drug disposal event. The initiative, following directives from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Mohanlal vs. Union of India and the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules (Seizure, Storage, Sampling, and Disposal), 2022, was executed at 11:30 AM by the CID Unit under the supervision of the Drug Disposal Committee chaired by DIGP (L&O). The committee also included SP (Headquarters) and SP (CID) as members.
A total of 61 NDPS case properties, comprising 238.416 kg of Methamphetamine, 69.636 kg of Ganja, 1.060 kg of Cocaine, 21 Cannabis Plants, 76 grams of Charas, 546 bottles of Codeine-based syrup, and 553 tablets of Alprazolam, were incinerated at G.B. Pant Hospital. The process was meticulously recorded on video and carried out in strict compliance with all legal protocols. The total value of the destroyed drugs is estimated to be approximately Rs. 475 Crores in the international market.
This event follows a similar drug disposal program conducted in April 2024, where 102 NDPS case properties, including 77 kg of Methamphetamine and 79 kg of Ganja, were destroyed. These initiatives underscore the A&N Police’s commitment to ensuring the prompt and proper disposal of seized drugs.
Andaman and Nicobar Police also marked a week of significant activities leading up to June 26. A series of impactful initiatives and awareness drives were conducted in various educational institutions and government offices in the Port Blair area, targeting youth and promoting the message of drug avoidance. The public was encouraged to take the Narcotics Control Bureau’s e-pledge at “pledge.mygov.in” to abstain from drugs, with information circulated by the Anti-Narcotics Police Station staff.
Starting on June 21, 2024, the A&N Police launched an Anti-Drugs Awareness Promotional Bus, inaugurated by the Inspector General of Police, A&N Islands. The bus, adorned with anti-drug posters, informative videos, and lively street plays performed by the Police Entertainment Team, toured strategic areas to effectively communicate the importance of drug prevention and rehabilitation. It covered areas including Marina Park, Mohanpura STS bus stand, Delainipur, Bhatubasti, Garacharma, Sippighat, and Chouldari.
On June 26, 2024, to conclude the observance, the Inspector General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ms. Sindhu Pillai (IPS), administered a pledge in both physical and virtual modes. All SsP, SDPOs, and SHOs of A&N Islands participated, committing to abstain from drugs and work towards eliminating the drug menace. On the same day, the Anti-Narcotics Police Station staff led an enlightening awareness program at the Indian Coast Guard District HQ, engaging around 40 Indian Coast Guard personnel in discussions on drug abuse and legal implications under the NDPS Act.
The successful conclusion of events on June 26, 2024, highlighted the unified resolve of the A&N Islands community to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The dedication shown by students, educators, government officials, and law enforcement personnel sets a positive example for ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering a drug-free society. For information or assistance regarding illicit drugs, individuals can contact the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) at 112 or the Anti-Narcotics Helpline at 03192-234216 or 9531856080.