Gujarat police seized drugs worth ₹16,155 crore in last 3 years

Gandhinagar: Gujarat became the first state in India to implement the Narco Reward Policy in 2021, offering incentives to informants for aiding in drug seizures. This initiative has yielded positive results, with 87,607 kg of drugs valued at ₹16,155 crore confiscated between October 2021 and December 2024.

During the launch of the Narcotics Reward Policy, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi remarked, “Drug abuse weakens society, and it is crucial for the youth to avoid it. While drugs may offer a fleeting high, they cause lasting harm to the body. If anyone becomes aware of drug activity, they should report it to the police and the State Home Department.”

Under the Narcotics Reward Policy, rewards are granted in the following cases:

1. Informants who provide information that leads to the seizure of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and illegally acquired property under the NDPS Act, 1985.

2. Authorized officers under the NDPS Act, 1985, who successfully seize illegal substances, conduct successful investigations or prosecutions, and substantiate the crime through post-investigation actions.

3. Officers from other departments who assist in addressing violations of the NDPS Act, 1985.

How is the reward amount determined?

The reward amount for informants is determined based on the specificity and accuracy of the information provided about the seizure, the level of risk involved, and the significance of the information. For government employees or officers making successful seizures, factors such as the effort involved, the risk taken during the operation, their vigilance, and any arrests related to the prohibited substances are considered. Officers or employees who provide evidence as part of their regular duties are not eligible for a reward.

Under the NDPS Act of 1985, informants are eligible for a reward of up to 20% of the illegal market value of the seized substances. For government employees, the total maximum reward during their career is ₹20 lakh, with a limit of ₹2 lakh per individual case. Private individuals who assist in office work receive ₹2,500 per case. In the event of the death of an informant or government employee, the reward may be given to their legal heir or nominee. This reward is granted as a prize and is approved by the relevant authorities.

The awareness generated by the Narcotics Reward Policy has led to a significant rise in cases registered under the NDPS Act, 1985, and drug seizures. Since its implementation in 2021, up until December 2024, the Gujarat Police have confiscated 87,607 kilograms of drugs valued at ₹16,155 crore and apprehended over 2,500 suspects. Under the policy, the DGP Committee has approved rewards totaling ₹51,202 for 64 people, while the ACS, Home-level Committee has sanctioned ₹6,36,86,664 for 169 individuals. Additionally, a proposal to reward 737 people with ₹5,13,40,680 has been submitted to the NCB Committee.