Local police officers to be held accountable for drug cases in their jurisdiction: Gujarat DGP

In a major move to strengthen enforcement against narcotics offences, Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) G S Malik has directed that local police stations will be held accountable for drug-related activities within their jurisdiction, even if cases are detected by specialised agencies such as the Crime Branch or Special Operations Group (SOG).

The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting held in Gandhinagar amid growing concerns over narcotics-related offences across the state, including in major cities such as Ahmedabad.

According to officials, the DGP instructed all police commissioners and district police chiefs to ensure strict investigation of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards drug trafficking.

Under the new directive, local police stations will be required to take a more proactive role in identifying and registering NDPS cases. If a drug-related raid is conducted within the limits of a police station by another agency, such as the Crime Branch or SOG, the officer in charge of the local police station could be held responsible for any lapses.

Officials said police inspectors (PIs) and police sub-inspectors (PSIs) may face departmental action, including suspension, if negligence is established in connection with drug-related activities operating within their jurisdiction.

The DGP also directed officers not to limit investigations to routine procedures, particularly in cases involving small quantities of narcotics. Instead, investigators have been instructed to trace the entire supply chain and identify networks involved in the procurement, distribution and sale of drugs.

Senior officers at each police station will now be responsible for ensuring that investigations lead to the larger drug syndicates behind individual cases. Local intelligence and specialised agencies may be utilised to assist in these efforts.

In addition to enforcement measures, the state police have announced plans to strengthen rehabilitation initiatives for drug users.

Officials said counselling and de-addiction support will be provided to individuals struggling with substance abuse. Experts will be engaged to help addicts overcome dependency and facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.