Introduction: The NDPS Act governs control and regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India, making knowledge of authorities and officers essential for B.Pharm students. This introduction outlines key enforcement agencies, licensing bodies, special courts, search and seizure powers, forensic analysis, record-keeping and penalties under the NDPS Act. Understanding the roles of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Customs, police officers, drug inspectors and forensic laboratories helps pharmacy graduates ensure legal compliance in manufacture, storage, distribution and clinical practice. Practical awareness of enforcement procedures, sample handling, and documentation strengthens professional responsibility and patient safety. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.
Q1. Which central agency is primarily responsible for coordinating enforcement of the NDPS Act in India?
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Drug Controller General of India (DCGI)
- Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
Correct Answer: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
Q2. The NDPS Act was enacted in which year?
- 1970
- 1985
- 1993
- 2001
Correct Answer: 1985
Q3. Which central ministry administers the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) that enforces the NDPS Act?
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- Ministry of Finance
- Ministry of Agriculture
Correct Answer: Ministry of Home Affairs
Q4. Which officer is commonly empowered to arrest offenders and seize narcotic drugs under the NDPS Act?
- Any police officer
- Only a Magistrate
- Only a Pharmacist
- Only a Hospital Superintendent
Correct Answer: Any police officer
Q5. Which type of court is primarily designated to try offences under the NDPS Act?
- Special Courts established for NDPS trials
- Family Courts
- Motor Accident Claims Tribunal
- Tribal Courts
Correct Answer: Special Courts established for NDPS trials
Q6. Which laboratory is normally responsible for chemical analysis of seized narcotic samples?
- Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL)
- District Hospital Laboratory
- Local Retail Pharmacy Lab
- Food Testing Laboratory
Correct Answer: Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL)
Q7. Who has the authority to issue a search warrant under criminal procedure related to narcotics investigations?
- Magistrate
- Pharmacist
- Licensee of a pharmacy
- District Collector
Correct Answer: Magistrate
Q8. Which agency typically handles seizures of narcotics at international borders and ports?
- Customs officers
- Municipal Health Inspectors
- Pharmacy Inspectors
- Local School Authorities
Correct Answer: Customs officers
Q9. Who is responsible for maintaining accurate records of stock and transactions of controlled substances at a retail pharmacy?
- Licensee / Pharmacist-in-charge
- Patient representative
- Municipal Clerk
- Insurance company
Correct Answer: Licensee / Pharmacist-in-charge
Q10. Which authority prepares and notifies the schedules or lists of controlled narcotic and psychotropic substances?
- Central Government
- Local Municipal Corporation
- State Bar Council
- Medical Council of India
Correct Answer: Central Government
Q11. Which Indian agency administers policy and licensing specifically related to opium cultivation and supply?
- Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
Correct Answer: Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)
Q12. Which official is typically empowered to inspect pharmacies and manufacturing units for compliance with narcotic regulations?
- Drug Inspector
- School Principal
- Municipal Sweeper
- Town Planner
Correct Answer: Drug Inspector
Q13. Which body is responsible for international liaison and cooperation in narcotics control from India?
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Correct Answer: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
Q14. Who is responsible for producing seized narcotic samples to the forensic laboratory and maintaining the chain of custody?
- Seizing officer
- Patient
- Local Journalist
- Pharmacy customer
Correct Answer: Seizing officer
Q15. Which authority has the primary role in designating special courts and appointing judges to try NDPS cases?
- Central/State Government by notification (designation of Special Courts)
- Local Market Committee
- University Grants Commission
- Private Pharmaceutical Company
Correct Answer: Central/State Government by notification (designation of Special Courts)
Q16. Which agency often provides specialized training to enforcement officers dealing with narcotics investigations?
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) training schools
- Local sports clubs
- Banking Institutes
- Tourism Department
Correct Answer: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) training schools
Q17. Which officer is responsible for initiating prosecution or presenting the case in NDPS trials on behalf of the state?
- Public Prosecutor
- Retail Pharmacist
- Patient Advocate
- Insurance Agent
Correct Answer: Public Prosecutor
Q18. Which authority can order forfeiture of property derived from or used in illegal narcotics trafficking after due process?
- Special Court under the NDPS Act
- Local Sports Authority
- School Board
- Municipal Garden Committee
Correct Answer: Special Court under the NDPS Act
Q19. Who is typically authorized to conduct a personal search of an accused under NDPS investigations?
- An authorized police officer
- A random member of the public
- A patient in the hospital
- A store cashier
Correct Answer: An authorized police officer
Q20. For international drug trafficking cases, which Indian enforcement body often coordinates extradition, mutual legal assistance and intelligence exchange?
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
- Local Ration Office
- Municipal Sanitation Department
- State Housing Board
Correct Answer: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
Q21. Which court normally entertains appeals against convictions or orders passed by Special Courts under the NDPS Act?
- High Court
- Family Court
- Small Causes Court
- Environmental Court
Correct Answer: High Court
Q22. Which official role is primarily responsible for record audits and compliance checks of controlled substances at a manufacturing unit?
- Compliance officer / Drug Inspector
- Local Librarian
- Traffic Police Inspector
- School Teacher
Correct Answer: Compliance officer / Drug Inspector
Q23. Who liaises with international agencies such as Interpol on narcotics intelligence and red notices from India?
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
- National Museum
- Pharmaceutical Retailers Association
- State Transport Authority
Correct Answer: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
Q24. Which officer is typically delegated the task of sampling and sending drug samples to the forensic laboratory following NDPS seizure?
- Seizing officer / investigating officer
- School Principal
- Bank Manager
- Postal Worker
Correct Answer: Seizing officer / investigating officer
Q25. Which authority generally issues licenses and permits for import or export of controlled substances under national regulation?
- Central Government / Competent licensing authority
- Local Market Committee
- Village Panchayat
- Municipal Parking Authority
Correct Answer: Central Government / Competent licensing authority
Q26. Who is responsible for coordinated state-level enforcement against illicit drug distribution alongside central agencies?
- State Police and State Narcotics Control units
- Village Health Worker
- Local Book Club
- Electricity Board
Correct Answer: State Police and State Narcotics Control units
Q27. Which official function is essential to prove identity and purity of seized drugs during NDPS prosecution?
- Forensic analyst report from FSL
- Pharmacy sales receipt
- Patient testimonial only
- Random social media post
Correct Answer: Forensic analyst report from FSL
Q28. Which officer or body should a B.Pharm graduate contact for clarification on legal obligations under the NDPS Act at workplace?
- Drug Inspector / Licensing authority
- Local Travel Agent
- Sports Coach
- Food Vendor
Correct Answer: Drug Inspector / Licensing authority
Q29. Who is generally responsible for producing an arrested person before the magistrate within the stipulated time after arrest under criminal procedure applicable to NDPS cases?
- Arresting police officer
- Pharmacy assistant
- Patient caregiver
- Courier delivery person
Correct Answer: Arresting police officer
Q30. Which officers are commonly empowered to search vehicles, containers or premises suspected of carrying narcotics during enforcement actions?
- Authorized police officers and customs officers
- School authorities
- Municipal gardeners
- Postal delivery staff
Correct Answer: Authorized police officers and customs officers

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
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