CM Orders Imposing A Full-Fledged Campaign To Root Out Drug Trade In Himachal Pradesh
Chief Minister chairing the meeting
Shimla, March 02: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today directed the police department to initiate a mission-mode campaign for six months to break the back of illegal drug trade in Himachal Pradesh. Presiding over a high-level meeting of senior officers of police and other departments, Sukhu said that he was committed to stamping out the increasing menace of drug smuggling and drug addiction in the state. insists that under his command, all steps will be taken to bring drug trade under control to protect youth of State.
Consumption of drugs, drug trafficking and drug abuse is posing a serious threat to the youth as well as the communities of the state. For State Government led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, drug violence is an issue that needs to be dealt with firmly and there is a comprehensive strategy applied to tackle every aspect of the illegal drug trade.
Chief Minister also stated in the meeting that breaking down the drug network needed prompt and strict action. “The fight against drugs is a priority of our government, and we will spare no effort to get drug smugglers and traffickers in our jails,” he said. Sukhu reiterated that his government is implementing a zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse, promising that no one involved in the drug trade, be they civilian or government employee, would be spared.
Action against drug smugglers and government employees involved in drug trade
Highlighting the Chief Minister’s tough-line approach, he made it clear that strict action would be taken against drug smugglers doing business in the state. He directed the police to fast track investigations into narcotics-trafficking, making it clear that (if caught) anyone engaged in the drugs trade would face the full force of the law.
The meeting aimed particularly at government workers discovered involved in the illegal drug trade. If strong evidence was found on such employees, then they would be dismissed from service forthwith, the chief minister added. The measure was put forth to preserve the integrity of the state’s workforce while sending a strong message about the activities associated with drug trade not being tolerated by any means, especially from those in public service.
“Government employees should be the role models of society. “No one related to public service will be spared if any connection to the drug trade is found. Strict disciplinary action will be taken, including termination from their positions,” the Chief Minister stated.
Enforcement of PIT-NDPS Act
One of the main components of the action plan against drug trafficking was Chief Minister’s order to enforce the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act strictly. It is the legal basis for action against the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including strong reaction to offences committed.
The Chief Minister also expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in the disposal of PIT- NDPS cases and directed that all pending PIT-NDPS cases be reviewed and disposed of in a week. He said the state government would act decisively to ensure all drug trafficking cases were disposed. Sukhu also advocated for the seizure of the properties of drug traffickers and their accomplices in a wider effort to dismantle the criminal network that drives the illegal drug market.
Sukhu asked police officials to track the suspects and their finance-related network, if any, funding or benefitting from the illegal trade by checking the bank accounts of suspected drug traffickers and their associates.
Engagement of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force
Under the new campaign, the Chief Minister said that the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) would be further strengthened. That specialized unit will be responsible for identifying, dismantling and preventing drug trafficking organizations throughout the state. A new special task force for drug trafficking and abuse will be headed by a senior police officer. The task farce will coordinate with the police and other departments concerned to meet the menace of drugs effectively.
“We are committed to ensuring a safe future for our youth and putting an end to this drug abuse menace. “I will keep personally monitoring the anti-drug campaign periodically to ensure that the campaign moves ahead as planned,” the CM told the officials.
Public Engagement and Detailed Mapping
A core component of the strategy focuses on tracking the spread of drug trafficking and abuse in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the police should conduct a detailed mapping exercise to find out which areas drug trafficking is most prevalent up to the Panchayat level. A report on this mapping will be due by March 15, 2025. This exercise will help authorities gauge the scope of the problem in each region and deploy resources accordingly.
The Chief Minister also called for local leaders to be involved in the anti-drug campaign. Nambardars will also be involved in this campaign to help detect drug victims and preventing the people from promoting the drug trades in their areas. Surveillance and deterrence of drug trade activities are expected to take place largely at the community level, and the communities are expected to be the primary source of information as well.
Reforms to Support the Legal Framework
To give more strength to the legal action against drug trafficking, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the introduction of the Himachal Pradesh Anti Drug Act in the next budget session of the state Assembly. In this view, victims of drug abuse must be treated differently than drug traffickers, and the proposed legislation should offer a better way to take legal action against the latter while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation for the former. The government wants to establish designated courts for the expeditious trial of NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases and also intends to tighten parole provisions to ensure that drug traffickers are not given the leniency.
Rehabilitation Efforts
The Chief Minister also acknowledged that the people who use drugs as an addiction should be rehabilitated while a strong system of durg trade was in priority. The state government is constructing a rehabilitation centre for the victims in Kotla Behad in Sirmaur district. This is where the center comes in to provide a full spectrum of rehabilitation services for those who want to get off of drugs, and give them a chance to become part of a community again.
Tightened Scrutiny of Pharma Companies
Not only does it want to go after traffickers, the government has also announced the tightening of surveillance of pharmaceutical companies to avoid the illegal sale of psychotropic substances. FIRs will be registered against companies engaged in the illegal sale of such drugs and their licenses will be canceled. Their business activities will be suspended and they will be banned from renewing their licenses.
Awareness Campaigns
Chief Minister Sukhu reiterated the need of reaching out to the masses through awareness campaigns to educate them about the ill effects of drug abuse. In an unprecedented initiative, the state will educate citizens about the harmful effects of drugs and promote a way of life that helps them steer clear of addiction.
Similarly, the Chief Minister’s announcement to implement a comprehensive strategy to eliminate the illegal drug smuggling business forms a watershed moment in Himachal Pradesh’s struggle against drug trafficking. By means of strict law enforcement, legislative changes, rehabilitations, and social awareness, it will move in great strides towards achieving a drug-free life for its people. As the Chief Minister is leading the campaign himself, the people of the state can be assured that the fight against the drug menace will be fought in all its seriousness and with all its earnestness.
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