Gujarat became the first state in India to introduce the Narco Reward Policy, an initiative aimed at combating drug trafficking by offering financial incentives to informants. The policy has proven highly effective, with authorities seizing more than 87,000 kilograms of narcotics valued at Rs 16,155 crore between October 2021 and December 2024.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi, during the launch of the policy, highlighted the importance of combating drug abuse, saying, “Drug abuse weakens society, and it is crucial for the youth to avoid it. While drugs may offer a fleeting high, they cause lasting harm to the body. If anyone becomes aware of drug activity, they should report it to the police and the State Home Department.”
Under the Narco Reward Policy, rewards are provided to individuals and officers in various circumstances. Informants who provide specific and accurate information that leads to the seizure of narcotic substances, psychotropic substances, or illegally acquired property under the NDPS Act, 1985, are eligible for rewards.
Similarly, officers involved in successful seizures, investigations, or prosecutions, as well as those from other departments who assist in enforcing the NDPS Act, are also rewarded.
The policy has resulted in a significant increase in drug-related cases and seizures. As of December 2024, Gujarat Police had seized over 87,000 kg of drugs and apprehended more than 2,500 suspects.
The DGP Committee has approved rewards totalling Rs 51,202 for 64 individuals, and the ACS, Home-level Committee has sanctioned Rs 6,36,86,664 for 169 people. A proposal to reward 737 people with Rs 5,13,40,680 is currently being reviewed by the NCB Committee.
The reward amount is determined based on several factors, including the level of risk involved, the accuracy of the information provided, and the significance of the seizure.
Informants can receive up to 20% of the illegal market value of the seized substances, while government employees may earn up to Rs 20 lakh during their career, with a limit of Rs 2 lakh per individual case. Private individuals assisting in office work receive Rs 2,500 per case. In cases of death, the reward may be passed on to the informant’s legal heir or nominee.
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