Gujarat Police Intensifies Crackdown: 21 Detained Under PIT NDPS Act in 2026
Synopsis
In a significant move to combat drug trafficking, the Gujarat Police have detained 21 individuals under the PIT NDPS Act in just four months of 2026, reflecting a tough stance against narcotics-related crimes. This crackdown includes the recent detention of five repeat offenders.
Key Takeaways
21 individuals detained under the PIT NDPS Act in 2026.
Recent crackdown includes five more arrests .
The Gujarat Police is employing preventive detention to combat narcotics.
Authorities are focusing on repeat offenders .
The state upholds a zero tolerance policy against drug-related crimes.
Gandhinagar, April 17 (NationPress) The Gujarat Police have escalated their efforts in preventive detention against habitual offenders involved in narcotics, with the recent detention of five more individuals under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PIT NDPS Act), leading to their incarceration in various jails throughout the state, officials reported on Friday.
This latest operation marks the total number of detentions under the PIT NDPS Act to 21 in the initial four months of 2026.
In 2025, authorities detained a cumulative total of 86 individuals under this law, indicating a growing reliance on preventive measures to combat drug-related crimes.
The detention orders were sanctioned by the Director General of Police (CID Crime), Dr K.L.N. Rao, and implemented by the teams of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and CID Crime.
The operation spanned across Rajkot city and the districts of Aravalli, Banaskantha, Navsari, and Junagadh.
The five individuals apprehended include Babu Ninama, 49, from Vanka Timba village in Bhiloda taluka; Ishwar alias Hendal Salat, 28, from Palanpur in Banaskantha; Manojgiri Goswami, 45, from Vansda in Navsari; Waheed Panja, 50, from Junagadh; and Imran Belim, 32, from Rajkot.
Authorities stated that all detainees had prior arrests under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act but had been released on bail.
The PIT NDPS Act allows for the preventive detention of such individuals to prevent them from re-engaging in activities like the sale, purchase, transportation, or storage of narcotic substances.
Officials noted that such measures are taken when there is a significant chance of these individuals resuming their involvement in drug trafficking after their release from prison.
In a statement, the Gujarat Police remarked, “Just as PASA is utilized against anti-social elements, the PIT NDPS Act is similarly enforced against those involved in narcotics-related offences.”
The state government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards drug-related crimes and reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Gujarat into a drug-free environment, asserting that all necessary measures are being pursued in this direction.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the proactive measures being implemented by Gujarat Police in response to the persistent drug crisis. The increased use of the PIT NDPS Act for preventive detention illustrates a commitment to public safety and a strategic move to deter repeat offenders.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PIT NDPS Act?
The PIT NDPS Act stands for the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988, which allows for the preventive detention of individuals involved in drug-related activities.
How many individuals have been detained under this act in 2026?
As of mid-April 2026, a total of 21 individuals have been detained under the PIT NDPS Act.
What are the consequences of being detained under the PIT NDPS Act?
Individuals detained under the PIT NDPS Act can face incarceration in jails and may be prevented from engaging in narcotics-related activities.
What steps is the Gujarat government taking against drug-related crimes?
The Gujarat government has adopted a 'zero tolerance' policy towards drug-related crimes, implementing necessary measures to combat drug trafficking.
Who is responsible for executing the detention orders?
The detention orders are executed by teams from the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and CID Crime.
