BHUBANESWAR: For the first time in the state, a preventive detention order was issued against a habitual drug offender from Puri under the provisions of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act.
The order was issued against Jharana Panda of Baselishahi in Puri. The PITNDPS Act allows for the preventive detention of individuals engaged in the illicit trafficking of narcotics. It operates alongside the NDPS Act to dismantle organised drug cartels and habitual offenders. The districts concerned send a proposal against habitual drug peddlers/dealers to the Home department through the Special Task Force (STF) of Crime Branch. The detention order is then issued by additional chief secretary of the Home department, following which a habitual offender is arrested.
Sources said the detention order must be confirmed by the state advisory board under the PITNDPS Act, which is headed by a sitting judge of Orissa High Court and two retired judges. If the detention order against an accused is not confirmed by the state advisory board then he/she is released from the jail.
The order against Panda was confirmed by the state advisory board after thorough examination of the case records and related materials. She was found to be repeatedly involved in illicit trafficking and activities related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, adversely affecting public order and safety, said a STF officer.