HP Committed to Combat Drug Menace: CM Sukhu Highlights Multi-Pronged Strategy to Tackle Narcotics Crisis.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has reiterated the state’s strong commitment to fighting the growing drug menace, emphasizing a comprehensive approach that includes law enforcement, rehabilitation, and judicial reforms. Speaking virtually at a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security,’ organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the CM outlined alarming statistics and proposed strategic measures to curb the escalating drug crisis.
Over the past decade, the state has seen a staggering 340% rise in NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases, surging from 500 in 2012 to 2,200 in 2023. The proportion of heroin-related cases has doubled, with heroin cases now accounting for 50% of total NDPS cases, up from 29% in 2020. Adding to the concerns, the state is witnessing a worrying rise in the use of synthetic drugs, which are more potent, addictive, and difficult to control due to their complex chemical composition.
During his address, CM Sukhu highlighted the growing nexus between drug trafficking, organized crime, and terror funding, noting the direct threat this posed to national security. He stressed the need for a coordinated effort, particularly in interstate border areas, to break the grip of illicit narcotics networks.
A key aspect of Himachal Pradesh’s new approach is the invocation of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. For the first time in the state’s history, the law has been activated, allowing for the detention of habitual offenders involved in drug trafficking. This move is aimed at safeguarding public safety by preventing repeat offenders from escaping justice.
In an effort to fortify the legal framework, the state legislature has amended Section 37 of the NDPS Act, 1985, closing legal loopholes that had previously allowed drug offenders to secure bail. This amendment makes the legal process more stringent and provides a stronger deterrent against narcotics crime.
CM Sukhu also revealed that the state has confiscated property worth Rs. 16 crore over the last three years, with Rs. 9 crore seized in the past year alone. To intensify the fight against drugs, the state is setting up a Special Task Force (STF) dedicated solely to narcotics and drug-related crimes. This STF will have specialized resources and dedicated police stations to conduct focused operations against drug networks.
On the issue of rehabilitation, the CM emphasized that addiction should be viewed as an illness, and individuals struggling with substance abuse should not be criminalized. “Our approach must transcend punitive measures and focus on robust rehabilitation frameworks to help people recover and reintegrate into society,” Sukhu stated.
He called for enhanced collaboration with national and international agencies, stressing that intelligence-sharing and joint operations, particularly with neighboring states, are crucial to dismantling the cross-border drug trafficking networks that continue to pose a significant challenge.
Sukhu concluded with a strong message of hope and determination, assuring the people of Himachal Pradesh that, with their unwavering support and the dedication of law enforcement, the state will work towards a drug-free future, preserving the values of peace, harmony, and security for generations to come.
