Huge quantity of seized narcotics destroyed
The Hindu
Vigil against drug peddlers and enforcement stepped up, says Commissioner of Police
Over 1,300 kg of ganja and other contraband, which were seized by the city police in different cases, were destroyed at Thenmelpakkam in Chengalpattu district on Saturday.
Commissioner of Police Shankar Jiwal was present.
Since the stock of ganja and other contraband seized in various cases were piling up, the Greater Chennai Police had constituted a Drug Disposal Committee under the Joint Commissioner of Police, North, R.V. Ramya Bharati.
The investigation officers concerned had approached the Principal Sessions Court seeking exclusive trial of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. After obtaining necessary court orders, the committee initiated destruction of 1,026 kg of ganja seized in 13 cases which were under investigation. Similarly, 250 kg of ganja and other drugs which were seized in 55 cases was lined up for disposal with the conclusion of trial and with the time for appeal expiring.
In all, 1,300 kg of ganja and 30 g of heroin and brown sugar were brought to the incinerator run by a private firm amidst tight security.
Mr. Jiwal said the contraband was destroyed as per procedure and after obtaining court orders. The market value of ganja being destroyed could be around ₹2 crore and another 2,000 kg of ganja would be destroyed soon, he said.
Pointing out that the vigil against drug peddling had been stepped up in the last five months, he said the city police registered 404 cases until May 31 for drug peddling and 689 persons were arrested.