Fresh SOP strengthens anti-drug enforcement in Jammu & Kashmir (AI-generated).
Campaign in Jammu & Kashmir UTProcedural Revamp Aims to Plug Gaps Affecting Convictions; Bail, Acquittal Orders in Commercial Quantity Cases Being Challenged in High Court
POONCH MIRROR JANUARY 13, 2026
JAMMU, January 12: In a significant move to tighten the legal framework against narcotics, a fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been drafted for investigation and prosecution officers. The aim is to eliminate procedural lapses that have been adversely affecting convictions under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The need for a revised SOP was felt during the 15th Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting held in October last year, chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. The meeting had directed the formulation of a comprehensive SOP for investigators and prosecutors to avoid common procedural flaws that hinder successful convictions.
After several rounds of deliberation, the Law Department, in consultation with the Prosecution Department, has prepared the draft SOP and submitted it to the Home Department for scrutiny, official sources informed The Poonch Mirror.
After scrutiny, the draft SOP will be submitted for the Lieutenant Governor’s approval. Following this, it will be circulated to all concerned departments for strict compliance. This is a comprehensive effort to increase the conviction rate and strengthen the credibility of the anti-drug campaign,” the sources said.
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A similar SOP was prepared years ago by the Crime Branch Wing of the Jammu & Kashmir Police. However, it failed to deliver the desired results, creating the need for a fresh and robust framework to improve prosecution outcomes.
Sources stated that the new SOP places special emphasis on capacity building for investigation officers, prosecution officers, and legal staff. It acknowledges that technical flaws, lack of legal awareness, and weak coordination often lead to accused persons securing bail or acquittal, even in serious cases involving commercial quantities of drugs.
The proposed framework seeks to ensure uniformity in investigations, proper documentation, timely forensic procedures, and strict adherence to mandatory legal provisions,” they said. A key recommendation in the draft SOP is that NDPS cases, particularly those involving commercial quantities, should be handled only by specially and adequately trained officers.For continuous updates on legal reforms and anti-drug campaigns in Jammu & Kashmir, follow Poonch Mirror Channel on WhatsApp.
This measure is intended to prevent the casual or inexperienced handling of cases under the tough NDPS law, which demands a high standard of procedural correctness.
It is pertinent to mention that a significant number of accused in NDPS cases secure acquittals due to non-compliance with mandatory provisions and prescribed procedures. Such acquittals foster a sense of insecurity in society and erode public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The fresh SOP is expected to introduce clear accountability mechanisms, ensuring responsibility is fixed in cases where avoidable lapses lead to adverse judicial outcomes. Periodic training programs and regular reviews are also proposed to keep officers updated on legal developments and judicial pronouncements related to the NDPS Act,” sources added.
They further said the renewed focus on procedural discipline and vigorous legal pursuit comes amid growing concerns over the drug menace and its impact on youth. The government emphasizes that strong investigations and robust prosecution are crucial to dismantling drug networks.
Alongside institutional reforms, the government has also adopted a firm legal stance that all bail and acquittal orders in NDPS cases involving commercial quantities must be promptly challenged in higher courts.
Following these directives, over 50 bail and acquittal orders have been challenged in the High Court and will be pursued vigorously by the Prosecution Department,” sources revealed.
During the October NCORD meeting, the Chief Secretary had explicitly directed that there should be no delay or laxity in contesting such orders. He highlighted that cases involving commercial quantities have serious implications for public health and safety and must be pursued with the utmost seriousness.
He also directed investigation and prosecution officers to maintain close coordination with the Law Department to ensure the timely filing of appeals and applications.
Furthermore, standing instructions are in place to track robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent the misuse of prescribed medicines by drug de-addiction patients. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has also been directed to enhance the speed and quality of sample testing to ensure the timely preparation of reliable forensic reports.
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