The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over the escalating drug issue in Punjab, criticizing state authorities for targeting small-scale drug peddlers while neglecting influential figures involved in drug trafficking. The Court highlighted the urgent need for exclusive courts nationwide to expedite trials under special laws like the NDPS Act and UAPA. Recent reports revealing the severe impact of drug addiction in Punjab led the Court to remark on the dire situation in the state.
The Court emphasized the necessity of sensitizing law enforcement agencies, pointing out that the focus seemed to be on apprehending minor offenders for publicity rather than tackling major drug syndicates. It stressed the importance of arresting high-profile individuals involved in the drug trade and called for a reevaluation of the increasing number of NDPS-related cases. The Supreme Court pledged support to assist High Courts in establishing NDPS courts to handle the rising caseload effectively.
Expressing dismay at the functioning of the Punjab Police, the Court criticized the selective arrests and highlighted the need to address the root causes of the drug problem. It suggested potential Central government intervention to combat the narcotics crisis and proposed a coordinated mechanism for sharing information among agencies nationwide to combat organized drug networks effectively. The Court also recommended the establishment of specialized judicial infrastructure to address the mounting cases under the NDPS Act.
