JAMMU: Authorities in Jammu have barred courier companies and parcel services from transporting narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and other contraband without a valid permit, and directed them to ensure mandatory police verification of all employees.
The directions were issued by District Magistrate Jammu, Rakesh Minhas, on Saturday under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) read with relevant provisions of the NDPS Act.
According to the order, no courier company, parcel service or logistics operator functioning within the district shall accept, book or transport any narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or other contraband items unless it holds a valid transport permit under the NDPS Rules and complies with regulations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The order further mandates courier and parcel service operators to strictly verify the identity and credentials of consignors and consignees through valid government-issued identity proof. They have also been directed to maintain complete records of consignments, including sender and receiver details, parcel description, weight, booking receipt, date of booking, mode of payment and transaction details, wherever applicable.
Additionally, all courier companies have been instructed to ensure police verification of their employees, including delivery staff, loaders, booking clerks and franchise workers, and maintain an updated register of verified staff. Operators have also been asked to train employees to identify suspicious consignments and immediately report them to the nearest police authority.
Warning of strict action, the District Magistrate said any courier company or agency found violating the order will 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, with penalties including seizure of consignments, cancellation of licence, fines and criminal sanctions.
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The order has been issued ex-parte and will come into force with immediate effect for a period of eight weeks, unless withdrawn earlier or extended. Any violation will attract legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant.
