Sri Vijaya Puram, July 9: Andaman & Nicobar Police on Wednesday destroyed narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances worth an estimated ₹43.58 crore that had been seized in 63 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, preventing the contraband from re-entering illegal circulation as part of the Nationwide Drug Disposal Campaign.
The disposal drive was carried out on July 8 under the nationwide campaign being observed from June 26 to July 10, 2026. Police destroyed a total of 69.534 kg of seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in accordance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Seizure, Storage, Sampling and Disposal) Rules, 2022.
According to the police, the destroyed contraband comprised 14.554 kg of ganja, 38.592 kg of methamphetamine, 14.145 kg of methaqualone and 2.243 kg of cocaine. The total illicit market value of the seized drugs was estimated at approximately ₹43.58 crore based on the prescribed valuation rates for seized narcotics.
The seized drugs were scientifically destroyed through incineration at the authorised incineration facility of INHS Dhanvantri, Minnie Bay. Police said the entire disposal process strictly followed the prescribed legal procedures, safety protocols and environmental safeguards.
The operation was conducted under the overall leadership of Director General of Police Ravindra Yadav and Inspector General of Police (HQ) Geeta Rani Verma. The disposal process took place in the presence of senior police officers and members of the Drug Disposal Committee headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police (CID) Jitendra Kumar Meena. Superintendent of Police (HQ) Balram and Superintendent of Police (APU) Niyati Mittal served as members of the committee.
Police said the disposal exercise was carried out in compliance with the statutory procedures governing the destruction of seized narcotics, ensuring transparency, accountability and adherence to safety and environmental norms throughout the operation.
The destruction of the seized drugs forms part of the police’s efforts to enforce the NDPS Act, ensure the timely disposal of seized contraband and prevent narcotic substances from being diverted or recycled into illicit trafficking networks. The exercise also supports the broader objective of strengthening the criminal justice system through lawful disposal of case property.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police said it continues to follow a zero-tolerance approach against drug trafficking through intelligence-based enforcement, financial investigations, inter-agency coordination, capacity building and sustained public awareness programmes. It added that efforts are continuing to dismantle drug trafficking networks, curb substance abuse and promote a drug-free society.
Police have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and cooperate by reporting information related to drug trafficking or substance abuse. Citizens can share information by dialling 112, contacting the Anti-Narcotics Police Station at 03192-234216 or using the dedicated helpline number 9531856080. Police said public participation remains essential in the collective fight against narcotic drugs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
