Question : SMUGGLING OF DRUGS

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

(a) & (b): The details of cases and quantum of narcotic drugs seized in the State of Punjab during each of the last three years and the current year as reported by Narcotics Control Bureau, are given below:-

Drug seized	Details	2009	2010	2011	2012(till Oct.)
(in Kg.)
Heroin	Seizure	209.17	221.58	227.84	349.99	Cases	859	742	886	349
Opium	Seizure	671.27	645.32	894.53	209.89	Cases	499	503	525	256
Cocaine	Seizure	4.00	1.22	0.42	0	Cases	4	6	2	0
Hashish	Seizure	297.60	119.88	157.26	19.22	Cases	122	142	136	35
Ganja	Seizure	258.43	556.09	303.90	1310.67	Cases	67	93	93	41

(c) & (d): There has been reporting of smuggling/trafficking of South West Asian (SWA) heroin from across the border. The details of cases where drug was sourced from across the border and seized in the State of Punjab during each of the last three years and the current year are given below:-

Seizure of Drug	2009	2010	2011	2012(till Oct.)
(in Kg.)
Heroin	97.177	171.150	180.244	378.785

(e) Various steps have been taken to check, detect and prevent illicit trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances (NDPS), which among other things include the following:

(i) Improved coordination among the various Drug Law Enforcement Agencies including border guarding forces.

(ii) Strengthening of the intelligence apparatus to improve the collection, analysis and dissemination of operational intelligence.

(iii) Implementing a scheme of monetary rewards to informers and officers for information leading to seizures of Narcotic drugs.

(iv) Intensive preventive and interdiction efforts along known drug routes.

(v) Strict surveillance and enforcement at import and export points.

(vi) The Border Guarding Forces such as Border Security Force and Sashastra Seema Bal have been empowered under the NDPS Act for interdiction of narcotic drugs.

(vii) Increased international co-operation, for exchange of information and investigative assistance in administering control over the movement of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals.

(viii) Financial assistance has been provided to eligible States for strengthening their narcotic units.