In a significant step towards eradicating the menace of drugs and preventing the misuse of courier and parcel services for the transportation of contraband substances, District Magistrate Jammu, Dr Rakesh Minhas, has issued an order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, read with the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 and NDPS Rules, 1985.
The order was issued following reports that courier and parcel services are being misused for transporting narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances disguised as ordinary consignments. Such acts constitute grave offences under the NDPS Act, punishable under Sections 8, 21, 22, 23, 25 and 29, among others.
The order states that no courier company, parcel service or logistics operator functioning within District Jammu shall accept, book or transport any narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or other contraband items unless it holds a valid transport permit under the NDPS Rules, 1985 and as per the regulations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The order further directs all courier and parcel companies to strictly verify the identity and credentials of consignors and consignees using valid government-issued identity proof. They must maintain complete records of consignments, including sender and receiver details, parcel description, weight, booking receipt and date of booking. A record of the mode of payment received, whether in cash, digital, cheque, UPI or card form, along with transaction details wherever applicable, must also be maintained.
All employees engaged in courier or parcel operations, including delivery staff, booking clerks and franchise workers, must undergo local police verification, and an updated register of verified employees should be maintained. Furthermore, courier agencies are required to provide training and sensitisation to employees to help them identify suspicious consignments and report such cases immediately to the nearest police authority.
The order further states that any courier company or agency found violating these directions shall be held personally and legally responsible. Owners, directors, agents and employees involved may face prosecution under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, BNSS and other applicable laws. Penalties may include seizure of consignments, cancellation of licences, fines and criminal sanctions.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, has been entrusted to ensure strict enforcement of the order, conduct inspections and initiate legal action against defaulters.
The order takes immediate effect and will remain in force for eight weeks unless withdrawn earlier. It may also be extended or modified as required. For public awareness, it has been published on the district website, leading newspapers and notice boards of all concerned offices. Any contravention of the order shall attract legal consequences as contemplated under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.