In a significant move to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking in the Union Territory of Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the constitution of a Screening Committee under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988.

The newly constituted committee will undertake prior scrutiny of preventive detention proposals submitted by sponsoring agencies, including police, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), customs and other enforcement agencies in drug trafficking-related cases.

The committee will examine evidence, assess the gravity of offences, evaluate the adequacy of material placed on record and recommend to the competent authority whether an accused poses a genuine threat to public order and whether preventive detention is necessary in the given circumstances.

It will also facilitate better coordination among enforcement agencies and strengthen the overall legal and institutional framework to combat organised drug trafficking in Ladakh.

The PITNDPS Act, 1988, provides for preventive detention of individuals involved in illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. However, Ladakh did not previously have a formally constituted Screening Committee for prior examination of detention proposals under the Act.

The absence of such a mechanism could result in procedural inconsistencies and increase the possibility of detention orders being challenged on legal and procedural grounds.

Recognising the need for a robust institutional mechanism and taking into account best practices followed in other parts of the country, L-G Saxena approved the constitution of the committee to ensure due diligence, uniform procedures and stronger legal sustainability of preventive detention orders.

“Drug abuse poses a serious threat to our youth and the social fabric of Ladakh. While rehabilitation and awareness remain equally important, there can be no compromise in our resolve to act firmly against those involved in illicit trafficking of narcotic substances. Preventive detention under the PITNDPS Act is an extraordinary legal measure and, therefore, every proposal must undergo rigorous scrutiny and legal examination before such powers are invoked,” said L-G Saxena.

He added that the Screening Committee would ensure procedural consistency, objective assessment and legal strength in detention proposals, ensuring that preventive action taken by the Administration stands on a strong legal foundation.

Over the past few months, Ladakh has witnessed increasing concerns related to drug abuse and narcotic substances. Addressing the issue, the Administration has adopted a multi-pronged strategy involving prevention, awareness generation, rehabilitation and strict enforcement measures.

The constitution of the Screening Committee is also aligned with practices followed by several States and Union Territories, where similar panels comprising senior police officers, legal experts and representatives of enforcement agencies review detention proposals before they are placed before competent authorities.

Such mechanisms serve as important safeguards to ensure that preventive detention powers, which are exceptional in nature, are exercised only after careful and objective assessment of all relevant facts and evidence.