Jammu DM Tightens Curbs on Couriers to Prevent Narcotics Trafficking | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The District Magistrate of Jammu, Rakesh Minhas, has imposed strict restrictions on courier companies, parcel services and logistics operators in the district, prohibiting them from accepting or transporting narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or other contraband without a valid transport permit, officials said.

The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, read with provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, mandates that no courier agency shall book or move such consignments unless permitted under the NDPS Rules, 1985 and in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

As per the directive, all courier and parcel services are required to strictly verify the identity of consignors and consignees through valid government-issued identity documents and maintain detailed records of each consignment, including sender and receiver details, parcel description, weight, booking date, receipt and mode of payment.

The order also makes it mandatory for courier companies to ensure police verification of all employees, including delivery staff, booking clerks, loaders and franchise workers, and to maintain an updated register of verified personnel. Employees are to be trained to identify suspicious consignments and report them immediately to the nearest police station.

The District Magistrate warned that any violation of the order would invite strict legal action. Owners, managing directors, directors, agents and employees of defaulting courier firms may face prosecution under the NDPS Act, BNSS and other applicable laws, with penalties including seizure of consignments, cancellation of licences, fines and criminal sanctions.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order through inspections and to initiate legal proceedings against violators.

The order has been issued ex-parte in public interest and will be published on the district website, in leading newspapers and displayed on notice boards of police and revenue offices across the district. It has come into force with immediate effect and will remain valid for eight weeks, unless withdrawn, extended or modified earlier.

Any contravention of the order will attract action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, the order said.