HC takes suo moto action on India-Pakistan border drug racket, seeks Punjab Governments response

Chandigarh, December 12: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo moto cognizance  on a drug racket operating along the India-Pakistan border. The Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over a list of 75 suspected individuals involved in cross-border drug smuggling to the Punjab Police, proposing their preventive detention. Consequently, the High Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Punjab Government seeking a response.

Recently, the BSF provided the Punjab Police with a list of 75 suspects allegedly involved in narcotics trade and drug rackets through the India-Pakistan Border. In its proposal sent to the Punjab Government, the BSF suggested that these individuals, regardless of whether they face prosecution or not, should be detained as a precautionary measure due to their alleged involvement in large-scale drug trafficking in Punjab. This action aims to help curb the drug trade prevalent in the state.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken suo moto cognizance of an English newspaper's published report on this matter and has requested comprehensive information from the government regarding the steps taken by the BSF regarding the proposal. Furthermore, the High Court has issued notices to the Haryana and Central governments, seeking their responses while emphasising their involvement in this case.

According to the figures released by the BSF, they have seized nearly 755 kg of narcotics in 2023. Additionally, 95 drones coming from Pakistan have been shot down, and 36 Pakistanis have been arrested, with 15 rifles and 38 pistols confiscated from them. Moreover, nine Pakistanis attempting to cross the border have been killed.