The High Court of Jharkhand on Friday has instructed the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), Anurag Gupta, to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the proper sampling of drugs seized by the police.
DGP Gupta, along with the zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau, appeared before the court on December 18 for the hearing of a petition addressing the growing issue of narcotic substance sales in the state.
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice MS Ramchandra Rao and Justice Deepak Roshan, was overseeing the petition, which highlighted concerns over the inadequate procedures followed by the police when seizing narcotics. The court observed that improper sampling at the time of seizure and investigation often weakens the prosecution’s case, resulting in the release of accused individuals during trial.
In response, the court directed DGP Gupta to collaborate with the Narcotics Control Bureau and the state government to establish a reliable and foolproof procedure for the sampling of drugs and narcotic substances. This step aims to prevent any lapses during the investigation of drug-related cases, ensuring that evidence remains solid throughout the legal process.
The court’s intervention was triggered by a specific case in Baharagora, East Singhbhum, where a vehicle was seized containing 80 to 90 kilograms of marijuana. Due to improper sampling of the drugs, the accused were granted bail by the high court, which prompted the court to call on senior police officials to address this critical flaw in the investigative process.
The court’s ruling underscores the importance of maintaining strict protocols in the handling of seized narcotics, as improper procedures can significantly undermine the legal process. The case will be heard again on January 20, 2025, for further proceedings.
