Dehradun: In a new initiative to involve the public in the fight against rising drug trafficking and the illegal narcotics trade in Uttarakhand, the police have launched a reward scheme for information related to drug trafficking, illegal storage and sale of narcotics, and illegal drug-manufacturing facilities. The Uttarakhand Special Task Force (STF) has implemented the scheme for informers. Importantly, the identity of the person providing information will be kept confidential.
Under the new system, the reward amount will be determined based on the quantity and purity of the narcotic substance involved. A reward of up to ₹2.40 lakh per kilogram for information about cocaine, ₹1.20 lakh for heroin, and up to ₹20,000 per kilogram for morphine, amphetamine and methamphetamine has been prescribed.
Similarly, rewards of up to ₹10,000 for hashish oil, ₹6,000 for opium, ₹2,000 for hashish and ₹600 per kilogram for information leading to the recovery of cannabis may be awarded. A reward of up to ₹10,000 per hectare has also been provided for information leading to the destruction of illegal opium and cannabis cultivation.
Reward Approval at Different Levels
Under the scheme, separate levels of approval have been prescribed for rewards to police personnel or officers and informers. At the Inspector General (Law and Order) level, approval may be granted for rewards of up to ₹30,000 for officers and up to ₹60,000 for informers.
For officers, rewards ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh, and for informers, rewards ranging from ₹60,000 to ₹2 lakh, will be approved by a state-level committee. Cases involving amounts above these limits will require approval from the Central Reward Committee.
STF Appeals to Public to Remain Vigilant
The STF has made it clear that if citizens receive information about any suspicious location or activity, they should not attempt to investigate the matter themselves, enter the premises or confront suspicious individuals. In such situations, directly informing the police is the safest course of action.
For providing information, the STF has issued helpline numbers 0135-2656202 and 9412029536. According to the STF, the identity of the informant will be kept completely confidential.
STF Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh said that, in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the reward amount will be determined on the basis of the purity of the narcotic substance and the test report. He said the STF has been taking continuous action against the illegal drug trade, and the new reward scheme will help increase public participation in the campaign against drugs.
The STF has appealed to residents of the state to immediately inform the police if they come across activities such as drug trafficking, illegal storage or sale of narcotics, or illegal factories manufacturing drugs in their surroundings.
