The workshop featured training sessions conducted by Additional District Judge Shailendra Patwardhan, Deputy Director (Prosecution) Suresh Kumar Sahu, Assistant Director of Prosecution Vipin Kumar, and Assistant District Prosecution Officer Vivek Sharma.
The experts provided detailed guidance on legal procedures under the NDPS Act, focusing on crucial aspects such as evidence collection, seizure protocols, sampling, documentation, and investigative nuances. They emphasised that the quality of investigation plays a decisive role in securing convictions in court.
DIG stresses quality investigation over arrests
Addressing the officers, DIG Dr. Lal Umed Singh said the fight against drug abuse is not limited to making arrests alone. He stressed that strong investigation, strict compliance with legal provisions, and close coordination with the prosecution department are essential to ensure successful convictions.
He directed officers to mandatorily consult the district prosecution department in every NDPS case so that a strong and legally sound case can be presented against drug traffickers in court.
ADJ highlights importance of documentary evidence
Additional District Judge Shailendra Patwardhan underlined the importance of documentary, circumstantial, and corroborative evidence in NDPS cases. He stated that every fact must be recorded clearly, accurately, and lawfully during investigation, warning that even minor lapses in documentation could weaken the entire case.
Guidance on Sections 50, 57 and forensic procedures
Deputy Director (Prosecution) Suresh Kumar Sahu, along with Vipin Kumar and Vivek Sharma, explained in detail the mandatory compliance of Section 50 of the NDPS Act, procedures for forensic examination of seized narcotics, safe custody, chain of custody, and reporting requirements under Section 57.
They also clarified how different provisions of the NDPS Act apply in cases involving multiple accused, using practical examples to ensure better understanding among investigators.
Objective: Error-free investigations for stricter punishment
The primary objective of the training workshop was to ensure transparent, strong, and error-free investigations in NDPS cases, enabling the prosecution to present effective cases in court and secure strict punishment for those involved in illegal drug trafficking.
