ABSTRACT
As Jim Morrison, an American singer, songwriter once said “Drugs are a bet with the mind”, which is true for a fact as a drug addict is more likely to indulge in criminal activities and resort to crime to finance his drug needs. Drug users confess to more criminal behaviors than non-users, demonstrating an intricate connection between drugs and crime. Simultaneously, criminals admit to higher rates of drug use than non-criminals. The escalating concern about drugs and crime is an issue of significant concern for law enforcement authorities around the world, and India is no different. The NDPS Act, 1985, was enacted by Indian legislators to eradicate drug addiction, production, and trafficking. Despite the inclusion of measures for treating addicts, the Act has not been successful in breaking down the intricate relationship between narcotics and crime. This paper first investigates the correlation between drugs and crime, followed by an examination of statistics data underlining this connection in India. Following that, it delves into an in-depth analysis of drug abuse treatment within the Indian criminal justice system, critically scrutinizing the provisions of the NDPS Act pertaining to the treatment of drug addicts. Based on the researchers’ recommendations, the concluding part suggests improvements to the criminal justice system.
Key Words: Drug-Crime Nexus, NDPS Act, Drug Abuse Treatment, Criminal Justice System.