Guwahati, 26th September: The Gauhati High Court has directed Assam’s Director General of Police (DGP) to investigate the whereabouts of over 1,995 grams of suspected heroin seized during a drug bust in Karbi Anglong in May 2022. This follows the revelation that the investigating officer (IO) admitted to being unaware of the location of the seized contraband, raising concerns about procedural lapses.
The incident dates back to May 8, 2022, when law enforcement officers intercepted a vehicle and seized 1,995.29 grams of suspected heroin, packed in 152 boxes, at Dillai in Karbi Anglong. Two individuals were arrested, and a local court convicted them in July 2023, sentencing them to ten years of imprisonment. However, the case took a dramatic turn when the High Court found significant violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act during the trial.
A key issue was the missing contraband. The investigation officer’s testimony revealed he could not provide any record of the drugs being properly stored, exhibited, or destroyed as per legal protocols. The absence of documentation and adherence to the NDPS Act’s provisions, particularly Sections 42 and 52A, led the High Court to quash the convictions, citing doubts over the credibility of the investigation.
The court also directed the Registrar (Vigilance) to obtain reports from the District and Sessions Judge of Karbi Anglong and the District Drug Disposal Committee to clarify whether proper disposal procedures were followed. This inquiry could have serious repercussions for those involved and may set a precedent for future drug enforcement cases in Assam.
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