Anyone who contravenes the NDPS Act will face punishment based on the quantity of the banned substance.
- where the contravention involves a small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to 1 year, or with a fine which may extend to ₹10,000 (US$120) or both;
- where the contravention involves a quantity lesser than commercial quantity but greater than a small quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and with fine which may extend to ₹1 lakh (US$1,200);
- where the contravention involves a commercial quantity, with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 10 years but which may extend to 20 years and also a fine which shall not be less than ₹1 lakh (US$1,200) but which may extend to ₹2 lakh (US$2,400).
The table below lists the current definition of a small quantity and a commercial quantity for some popular drugs.[7]
| Drug | Small quantity | Commercial quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Amphetamine | 2 grams (0.071 oz) | 50 grams (1.8 oz) |
| Charas | 100 grams (3.5 oz) | 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) |
| Cocaine | 2 grams (0.071 oz) | 100 grams (3.5 oz) |
| Ganja(Marijuana) | 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) | 20 kilograms (44 lb) |
| Heroin | 5 grams (0.18 oz) | 250 grams (8.8 oz) |
| LSD | 2 milligrams (0.031 gr) | 100 milligrams (1.5 gr) |
| Methadone | 2 grams (0.071 oz) | 50 grams (1.8 oz) |
| Morphine | 5 grams (0.18 oz) | 250 grams (8.8 oz) |
| Opium | 25 grams (0.88 oz) | 2.5 kilograms (5.5 lb) |