DM Jammu Tightens Rules for Courier Firms to Curb Drug Transport | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: District Magistrate Jammu Rakesh Minhas has ordered stringent regulations for courier companies, parcel services and logistics operators in the district, prohibiting them from accepting or transporting any narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or contraband items without a valid transport permit under the NDPS Rules, 1985.

The directive, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, read with provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, mandates strict verification and monitoring of consignments by courier agencies operating within Jammu district.

As per the order, courier companies must verify the identity and credentials of both consignors and consignees using valid government-issued identification and maintain complete records of consignments, including sender and receiver details, parcel description, weight, booking receipts and date of booking.

The order also requires agencies to maintain records of payment modes for each consignment, including cash, digital payments, cheques, UPI or card transactions, along with relevant transaction details.

Additionally, all employees engaged in courier and parcel services—including delivery staff, loaders, booking clerks and franchise workers—must undergo police verification. Companies have been directed to maintain updated registers of verified employees and provide training to staff to identify suspicious consignments and report them to the nearest police authority.

The District Magistrate warned that any courier company or agency found violating the order would be held personally and legally responsible. Owners, managing directors, agents and employees involved may face prosecution under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, BNSS and other applicable laws.

Penalties may include seizure of consignments, cancellation of licences, fines and criminal proceedings.

The Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu, has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order, conduct inspections and initiate legal action against defaulters.

The order has come into force with immediate effect and will remain valid for eight weeks, unless withdrawn earlier or extended. Violations will attract legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.