Udupi: A 34-year-old man from Udupi has been detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act following a series of cases related to the transportation, sale and consumption of narcotic substances.
The detained person has been identified as Iqbal alias Iqbal Sheikh, a resident of Mission Compound, Kolambe, 76 Badagubettu, within the limits of Udupi Town Police Station.
The detention order was issued on August 13 by the Inspector General of Police, Western Zone, Mangaluru, based on a report submitted by the Superintendent of Police, Udupi district.
Following the order, police detained Iqbal on the same day.
Multiple narcotics cases registered
According to the police, Iqbal has been named in several narcotics-related cases registered at Manipal and Udupi Town police stations.
Three cases have been registered against him at Manipal Police Station.
Udupi Town Police Station has registered two cases concerning the transportation and sale of narcotic substances. Another case registered at the station relates to drug consumption.
The authorities said the cases indicate repeated involvement in offences connected with narcotic substances.
The action under the PIT-NDPS Act comes against the backdrop of these multiple cases and the authorities’ assessment of the need for preventive detention.
Five cases under trial
Police said all five cases relating to the transportation and sale of narcotic substances are currently under trial before the court.
The cases will therefore continue through the regular judicial process, with the evidence and allegations against the accused subject to consideration by the courts.
In addition to the cases involving the transportation and sale of narcotic substances, Iqbal has also faced two cases related to drug consumption.
According to the police, he has already been convicted in both of those cases.
The authorities have cited the history of cases while proceeding with the detention under the PIT-NDPS Act.
Detention order issued by Western Zone IGP
The detention proceedings followed a report submitted by the Udupi district Superintendent of Police.
Based on the report, the Inspector General of Police of the Western Zone, Mangaluru, issued the detention order on August 13.
Police subsequently executed the order and detained Iqbal on the same day.
The PIT-NDPS Act provides for preventive detention in certain cases involving illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Such preventive action is distinct from the prosecution of individual criminal cases before courts.
In Iqbal’s case, the detention order has been issued while several narcotics-related cases remain pending before the judiciary.
Accused to be lodged in Kalaburagi prison
Following the detention, the authorities ordered that Iqbal be lodged at the Central Prison in Kalaburagi.
The transfer to the central prison forms part of the detention proceedings initiated under the PIT-NDPS Act.
The action is also part of wider efforts by law enforcement authorities to curb repeated involvement in narcotics-related activities.
Udupi district police have been stepping up action against drug-related offences, with investigations and preventive measures aimed at disrupting the transportation and sale of narcotic substances.
Focus on curbing narcotics trade
The detention highlights the authorities’ focus on individuals allegedly involved repeatedly in narcotics-related offences.
While the criminal cases concerning the alleged transportation and sale of narcotic substances remain before the court, the preventive detention order has been issued separately under the PIT-NDPS Act.
The police have maintained that the multiple cases and previous convictions were considered while initiating the detention proceedings.
The development comes amid continued efforts by police and other enforcement agencies in coastal Karnataka to tackle the circulation and consumption of narcotic substances.
The authorities are also focusing on identifying repeat offenders and taking preventive measures where legally permissible.
The latest action against Iqbal is therefore significant in the context of the district’s efforts to strengthen enforcement against narcotics-related activities.
The five cases involving alleged transportation and sale of narcotic substances will continue to be decided through the judicial process, while the detention under the PIT-NDPS Act remains a separate preventive measure.