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Seized Drugs Vanish: Exposing the Nexus Between Cartels and Officials

Seized Drugs Disappear Amidst Alarming Corruption, Infiltration by Cartels, and Complicit Law Enforcement, Exposing Gaps in India's Anti-Drug Efforts.

By Neeraj Thakur
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Seized Drug Heroin

Seized Drugs Vanish: Exposing the Nexus Between Cartels and Officials | Heroin | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement

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Seized Drugs Consumed by Rats? 

In April this year, an unusual and perplexing case emerged from Jharkhand, raising eyebrows and sparking controversy. The Jharkhand police reported that a staggering 19 kilograms of seized narcotics had mysteriously vanished from their custody, with the official explanation being that the drugs had been consumed by rats. This bizarre claim quickly drew public attention and scepticism, as it seemed implausible that such a huge quantity of narcotics could simply be devoured by rats. 

The incident came to light during a court proceeding in Dhanbad. The investigating officer, while deposing before the judge, revealed that the confiscated drugs—specifically 10 kilograms of cannabis and 9 kilograms of marijuana—could not be presented as evidence. The officer's explanation was that the drugs, stored securely within the police station, had fallen victim to a rodent infestation. 

The case has since sparked a broader debate about the accountability and transparency of law enforcement agencies in handling seized drugs. Critics argue that the incident is just the tip of the iceberg and that seized drugs routinely go missing in India. 

Seized Drugs Worth ₹5 Lakh Crore Vanished?

The Probe spoke to journalist B.R. Aravindakshan from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, who has been diligently investigating a similarly perplexing case. Aravindakshan previously penned a letter to the Home Secretary, seeking a response from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the baffling disappearance of 70,772.544 kilograms of heroin, a consignment valued at approximately 5 lakh crores. This enormous quantity of drugs, seized within India, mysteriously vanished without a trace.

While speaking to The Probe, Aravindakshan shared insights from his research on the matter. "My detailed study on the subject revealed that such a huge consignment simply went missing," he said. "To date, the government has not been able to provide any concrete answers on the whereabouts of the missing drugs."

The issue at hand revolves around significant inconsistencies between the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reporting and the data provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) regarding the seizure of heroin in India between the years 2018 and 2020. According to the NCRB reports, a total of 22,263.1 kilograms of heroin was seized across India in 2018, and there was a seizure of 55,804.540 kilograms of heroin in 2020.

However, the data furnished by the MHA tells a different story. In response to an Unstarred Question No. 1173 during the 255th session of the Rajya Sabha on December 8, 2021, and Unstarred Question No. 3097 during the 256th session on March 30, 2022, the MHA reported that only 19,691.155 kilograms of heroin was seized in 2018. This presents a glaring discrepancy of 2,571.945 kilograms when compared to the NCRB data for the same year. Furthermore, the MHA stated that 50,000.387 kilograms of heroin were seized in Sikkim and 3,200.172 kilograms in Manipur.

What is particularly baffling is that the concerned authorities in both Sikkim and Manipur have categorically denied that such quantities of heroin were ever seized by their agencies.

Aravindakshan also filed a petition before the Delhi High Court in the matter. The petition emphasises the critical importance of accuracy and integrity in the data published by the NCRB. It states: "Considering the paramount importance placed on the reports published by the NCRB and the communications with political representatives, it is crucial that these numbers are not just figures but facts built with authenticity and accountability."

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