NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING UNDER NDPS ACT, 1985

AUTHOR – J TARA BEGUM* & R. KALAISELVI**

* STUDENT AT VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED STUDIES (VISTAS)

** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT SCHOOL OF LAW, VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED STUDIES (VISTAS)

BEST CITATION – J TARA BEGUM & R. KALAISELVI, NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING UNDER NDPS ACT, 1985, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (8) OF 2026, PG. 73-75, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/IJLRV6I810

ABSTRACT

Narcotics trafficking has emerged as one of the most serious forms of organized crime in the modern world, posing a significant threat to public health, social stability, economic development, and national security. In India, the growing menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking led to the enactment of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), which provides a comprehensive legal framework to regulate and control narcotic substances. This research article examines the nature, scope, and effectiveness of the NDPS Act in combating drug trafficking. It analyses the stringent provisions of the Act, including punishment based on quantity, reverse burden of proof, and restrictive bail conditions. The article also evaluates procedural safeguards and highlights the critical role played by the judiciary in ensuring fairness and protection of fundamental rights. Further, it discusses major challenges such as over-criminalization, lack of distinction between traffickers and minor offenders, delays in trials, and misuse of provisions. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced socio-legal approach that integrates strict enforcement with rehabilitation, awareness, and reformative justice. The article concludes that while the NDPS Act is a powerful tool against drug-related crimes, necessary reforms are required to ensure justice, proportionality, and effectiveness in its implementation.