Gujarat introduces reward policy after seizure of 87,000 kg drugs in 3 years

Between October 2021 and December 2024, 87,607 kg of drugs valued at ₹16,155 crore have been confiscated in Gujarat.

To curb the nuisance of drugs, Gujarat becomes India’s first state to launch a special Narco Reward Scheme to combat drug abuse.

The policy rewards informants with up to 20% cash rewards of the seized value.

To support police officers, employees, and informers’ efforts and deter the spread of narcotics, the Gujarat government introduced the Narcotics Reward Policy.

This initiative encourages police personnel, employees, and informers by offering incentives and is implemented by the state’s home department.

Under the policy, rewards are granted in the following cases—

1. Informants who provide information that leads to the seizure of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and illegally acquired property under the NDPS Act, 1985.

2. Authorised officers under the NDPS Act, 1985, who successfully seize illegal substances, conduct successful investigations or prosecutions, and substantiate the crime through post-investigation actions.

3. Officers from other departments who assist in addressing violations of the NDPS Act, 1985.

The reward amount for informants is determined based on the specificity and accuracy of the information provided about the seizure, the level of risk involved, and the significance of the information.

For government employees or officers making successful seizures, factors such as the effort involved, the risk taken during the operation, their vigilance, and any arrests related to the prohibited substances are considered.

Officers or employees who provide evidence as part of their regular duties are not eligible for a reward.

Reward of up to 20% of seized substance’s value

Under the NDPS Act, of 1985, informants are eligible for a reward of up to 20% of the illegal market value of the seized substances.

For government employees, the total maximum reward during their career is ₹20 lakh, with a limit of ₹2 lakh per individual case.

Private individuals who assist in office work receive ₹2,500 per case. In the event of the death of an informant or government employee, the reward may be given to their legal heir or nominee.

This reward is granted as a prize and is approved by the relevant authorities.

Gujarat Police has confiscated 87,607 kilograms of drugs valued at ₹16,155 crore and apprehended over 2,500 suspects. Under the policy, the DGP Committee has approved rewards totalling ₹51,202 for 64 people, while the ACS, Home-level Committee has sanctioned ₹6.36 crore for 169 individuals. Additionally, a proposal to reward 737 people with ₹5.13 crore has been submitted to the NCB Committee.