The NDPS Act, 1985, imposes stringent penalties for offences related to the manufacture, sale, and export of opium and its derivatives to deter illicit activities and safeguard public health.
Common Offences:
Unlicensed Manufacture: Producing opium or derivatives without authorization.
Unlawful Sale and Distribution: Selling or distributing without proper licenses.
Smuggling and Trafficking: Illegal import/export of opium.
Possession with Intent: Holding opium for illicit use or sale.
Concealment and Misrepresentation: Hiding or falsifying details about opium during transactions.
Penalties Under NDPS:
Monetary Fines:
Possession: ₹100,000 to ₹500,000.
Trafficking: ₹1,000,000 to ₹10,000,000.
Imprisonment:
Rigorous imprisonment up to 20 years for trafficking.
Forfeiture of Property: Seizure of assets linked to illegal activities.
Death Penalty: Applicable in severe cases, such as deaths resulting from drug trafficking or involving minors.
Additional Penalties: Business bans and public disclosure of offender details.