The Punjab government on Monday recommended the death penalty for those convicted in drug smuggling cases. Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said the recommendation was being forwarded to the Centre. The decision to recommend the death penalty was taken in a cabinet meeting held in the state.
Singh added that he stood by his “commitment for a drug-free Punjab”. Punjab has a massive drug problem. Ridding it of the menace had been a Congress poll promise.
My govt has decided to recommend the death penalty for drug peddling/smuggling. The recommendation is being forwarded to the Union government. Since drug peddling is destroying entire generations, it deserves exemplary punishment. I stand by my commitment for a drug free Punjab. pic.twitter.com/dXZTsDwVpf
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 2, 2018
Facing criticism from all quarters following a spurt in deaths due to drug overdose, Singh had called a special cabinet meeting.
It is worth noting that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act already has provisions of the death penalty for repeat drug offenders.
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