950815

Govt to make new

law to check

narcotics trade

ALMAS A. KHAN

LAHORE: The government is contemplating another legislation to minimize the illegal trade of drugs for which the federal Task Force on Narcotics has directed all the provincial governments to submit their proposals or plans for combating the menace.

In order to give the final shape to the draft legislation the Control of Narcotics Substances Act, 1995 - the representatives of the Task Force are holding marathon meetings with high officials of all the four provinces.

According to informed sources the federal officials are of the view that the proposed 'act' would be helpful in tightening the noose around the drug pushers and would help in minimising the trade of narcotics in the country.

Although the Punjab government is shortly expected to submit its proposals, the provincial officials do not see any justification for the enforcement of a new 'act' as three 'acts' of similar natur are in existence.

The existing laws on drug abuse include 'Opium Act 1857'. 'Opium Act, 1878, Drug Act, 1930 and Drug Act 1976, followed by a number of presidential ordinances.

Federal authorities are of the view that these existing laws have become obsolete and a new law is needed to discourage and panalize the dealers of deadly drugs.