On 23-12-2022, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has issued the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Seizure, Storage, Sampling and Disposal) Rules, 2022.
Key points:
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Narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled substances seized under the Act must be classified based on physical properties and results of the drug detection kit, if any, and must be weighed separately.
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Except in cases of opium, ganja and charas (hashish), where a quantity of not less than twenty-four grams shall be drawn for each sample, in all other cases not less than five grams shall be drawn for each sample and the same quantity shall be taken for the duplicate sample.
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Each sample shall be kept in heat-sealed plastic bags or heat-resistant glass bottle or apparatus, which shall be kept in a paper envelope, sealed properly and marked as original or duplicate, as the case may be.
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Samples after being certified by the Magistrate shall be sent directly to any one of the jurisdictional laboratories of Central Revenue Control Laboratory, Central Forensic Science Laboratory or State Forensic Science Laboratory, as the case may be, for chemical analysis without any delay.
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Having regard to the hazardous nature, vulnerability to theft, substitution and constraints of proper storage space, all narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, controlled substances and conveyances, as soon as may be after their seizure, shall be disposed of in the manner determined under section 52A of the Act.
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Functions of the Drug Disposal Committee shall be to (a) meet as frequently as possible and necessary; (b) conduct a detailed review of seized items pending disposal; (c) order disposal of seized items, and (d) advise the respective investigation officers or supervisory officers on the steps to be initiated for expeditious disposal.