1700 drug trafficking cases registered in Gujarat in three years, only 16 convicted

The number of drug seizures in Gujarat has increased in recent times but action against the offenders still seems to be lenient. 

Over the last three years, 1,743 cases of drug trafficking have been registered in Gujarat, but only 16 offenders have been convicted.  

According to reports, drug trafficking cases in Gujarat have been rising steadily. In 2022, 516 cases were registered, followed by 604 in 2023, and 623 in 2024. 

However, the conviction rate remains low, with only 2 offenders found guilty in 2022, 11 in 2023, and 5 in 2024. On a national level, from 2022 to 2024, a total of 3.02 lakh drug trafficking cases were registered, out of which only 268 offenders were convicted.  

According to the government, a four-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism for ensuring better coordination between Central & State Drug Law Enforcement Agencies and other stakeholders in the field of controlling drug trafficking and drug abuse in India has been established. An all-in-one NCORD portal has been developed for information related to drug law enforcement.

Moreover, to monitor the investigation of important and significant seizures, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) under the Chairmanship of the Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has been set up by the Government of India.