Delhi Customs Preventive Zone destroys illegal narcotics and cigarettes valued at 294 Cr

In alignment with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs’ (CBIC) Special Campaign 3.0, the Ministry of Finance, Customs Preventive Zone, Delhi, has safely and responsibly destroyed 328 kg of narcotic substances valued at Rs. 284 crore, along with 80.2 lakh foreign-origin cigarettes worth Rs. 9.85 crore. The event took place in New Delhi and was overseen by esteemed dignitaries, including the Secretary of the Department of Revenue, the Chairman of CBIC, and the Member (Compliance Management) of CBIC, along with other senior officials from the Ministry of Finance. Prior to the destruction, an on-site inspection of the illegal goods was conducted by the officials.

During the event, the Revenue Secretary, Shri Sanjay Malhotra, highlighted that the Customs department’s continuous efforts to eliminate illegal goods have been bolstered by the Special Campaign. He drew a parallel between the destruction of illicit items and the burning of Ravana during Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The department remains resolute in its fight against the drug menace to protect the younger generation.

The destroyed narcotic substances include 29 kg of Heroin, 6 kg of Cocaine, 7 kg of Amphetamine, and 286 kg of Khat leaves (Catha Edulis). The majority of the Heroin was seized in 2005-06 and 2009-10, with some additional seizures in 2022-23. The remaining narcotic drugs were seized in 2022-23. The foreign-origin cigarettes being destroyed were seized in 2018 and 2023 due to violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. These cigarettes lacked the mandated health and pictorial warnings. The destruction was carried out following guidelines under the Hazardous & Other Wastes (M&TM) Rules, 2016, at M/s Biotic Waste Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, an authorized facility for the destruction of narcotics, cigarettes, and other biodegradable waste.

Under the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM) 3.0 in October 2023, 365 kg of narcotic substances valued at Rs. 1,000 crore and 1.35 crore foreign-origin cigarette sticks worth Rs. 13 crore were destroyed. Additionally, 8,308 physical files were weeded out, and 9,304 kg of scrap materials were disposed of, freeing up 46,565 sq. ft. of office space.

This destruction of narcotic drugs and cigarettes by Customs Preventive Zone, Delhi, is part of efforts to create a cleaner and more organized workspace while conveying the message of cleanliness.

India, as a responsible member of the international community, actively participates in global initiatives to combat drug abuse. The country is a signatory to United Nations conventions on drugs and has enacted the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, to align with these treaties. The Indian Customs, beyond its revenue collection responsibilities, plays an active role in preventing the smuggling of contraband and narcotics and enforces the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, through intelligence-driven actions.