CM Sukhu Takes Stringent Action Against Drug Trafficking Employees: H. P. Government
CM Sukhu
Shimla, 22 February – The Government of Himachal Pradesh led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is taking to task the mushrooming of drug addiction and narcotics in the State. The Government is redoubling its efforts to include strict adherence to laws, coordination with enforcement agencies and public involvement. Now that the administration has taken firm action against drug traffickers, including government employees and police officers, it sends a clear signal that it is serious about solving the drug problem.
The government is focused on combatting drug networks
The Police Department is making efforts to break the drug networks in Himachal, a spokesperson of the State Government said. Working with various enforcement organizations, police have busted multiple illegal drug-trade operations. This has resulted in confiscation of illicit properties and stringent legal action against the perpetrators under different sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the PIT NDPS Act, 1988.
The government is also cracking down on the complicity of law enforcement and state employees in drug trafficking. The Chief Minister said those found guilty of being involved in drug-related activities will face strictest legal action and terminate their services.
Through of Stricter Legal Measures and Public Awareness
Aside from punitive actions, the Himachal Pradesh Government is emphasising the salient aspect of creating awareness among people regarding the risk of drug abuse. These campaigns intend to raise awareness about the tragic impact of drugs on those affected, families, and communities. Among the efforts, the state government has taken some significant legal actions to contain drug trafficking and will introduce the Himachal Pradesh Nasha Nirodhi Act in the next session of the legislative assembly.
The Nasha Nirodhi Act is likely to include stiffer penalties for subsequent violators and to institutionalize rehabilitation for first-time users, especially minors. This law brings attention to the healing of those whose health verges upon drug abuse, and centers on providing necessary support services so that they can work towards rehabilitation, and re-enter society.
Take away property and destroy drug distribution systems
In another move against the drug tail, the Himachal Pradesh government is tearing up the assets earned by the criminals through drugs. In 2024, drugs-related illegal properties valued at Rs 9 crore were confiscated by the state government. The authorities have begun a concerted campaign to lock up and demolish properties that are used for the production, distribution or storage of drugs.
For the first time, searches have been conducted in about 40-50 places in the state which have resulted in drugs and smuggling networks being caught by the government. The coordinated actions across various jurisdictions are aimed at wreaking havoc on the drug supply line devastating the population of the state.
Major Drug Busts and Arrests in 2024
How serious the government is about cleaning Himachal Pradesh of drugs can be gauged from the impressive statistics of the police department for the year 2024. In its campaign against drug trafficking, the police seized:
- 368.20 kg of charas
- 36.20 kg of opium
- 11.14 kg of heroin
- 668.67 kg of poppy
- 33.64 kg of ganja
Furthermore, 37,20,654 cannabis plants and 3,78,152 poppy plants that were being cultivated illegally in different places were destroyed by the police. In addition to these drug seizures, 2,89,68,041 intoxicant pills meant for illegal distribution were also seized by the authorities. These high-profile confiscations are an extension of the state’s coordinated efforts to curtail drug producers and traffickers.
Additionally, the law enforcement agency took into custody 2,515 people with suspected involvement in drug-related activities, emphasizing the government’s proactive approach toward combating the drug threat. The state government is seeking to dismantle the grip of drug cartels in the region by arresting and prosecuting people from every tier of the drug supply chain.
Formation of a Special Task Force on Narcotics
The state government has also set up a Special Task Force (STF) on Narcotics and Organised Crime in its latest efforts to tackle the menace of drug trafficking. The unit will be specialised, focusing solely on narcotic crimes — drug trafficking and organized crime in particular. Drugs are a serious matter in the state, and the STF will be given the weapons, authority and independence to do this work.
This is expected to strengthen the state’s regulatory efforts and be a way for a specialized unit to deal with the complexities of organized drug crime in the drug economy. This will involve collecting intelligence, tracking criminal syndicates and working with national agencies to help shut down cross-border drug trafficking operations.
Abstinence from drugs — A state-wide campaign for a drug free Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh government’s efforts to rid the state of drug abuse and trafficking send a message loud and clear that it is serious about the health, safety and well-being of the people. Root Cause and Legal Provisions: Since, drug trafficking is a grave menace as it involves not only suppliers but also government employees, the Government will emphasize this matter in its action plan and strengthen legal provisions and public participation and create a drug-free environment in Himachal.
The Chief Minister’s Office said it would fight drugs not only by way of enforcing the law, but on rehabilitation and prevention as well, to help drug addicts get treated.
The newly assumed government led by Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is resolute in making Himachal Pradesh a drug-free state. State has a plan to kill the drug problem and that’s through united efforts between law and police, spreading awareness and revising the law to cater for changes in society. With the process of pace, involvement of people and strict penalties for culprits, we are on the track of healthy and safe Himachal Pradesh.”
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