Himachal Emerges as a National Front-Runner in the Fight Against Narcotics

Shimla, July 14: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh has launched a robust and people-driven campaign against drug abuse, rapidly emerging as a model state in the national anti-narcotics movement. With a focus on safeguarding youth and dismantling drug networks, the state government is executing a multi-pronged strategy targeting both synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical misuse—especially in areas near industrial hubs.

Recognizing the growing threat, the government has strengthened monitoring systems to prevent the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs and has passed two landmark pieces of legislation:

1. The Himachal Pradesh Organized Crime (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, which includes stringent provisions such as death penalty, life imprisonment, heavy fines, and property confiscation.

2. The Himachal Pradesh Drugs and Controlled Substances (Prevention, De-addiction, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2025, focusing on punitive action against drug trafficking while also promoting recovery and reintegration.

Inspired by the Sikkim Model, the state has established a State Fund for De-addiction, Rehabilitation, Preventive Education, and Livelihood Support, further reinforcing its zero-tolerance approach to drug crime.

Strong Enforcement & Legal Action

In 2024, the government operationalized the Preventive Detention under PIT-NDPS Act, issuing 41 detention orders out of 123 proposals. The police identified 1,214 illegally acquired assets linked to drug trafficking and took action in 70 encroachment cases, with several properties confiscated. Disciplinary action has also been taken against 80 government employees found involved in narcotics trade.

Between 2023 and mid-2025, the police registered 5,004 NDPS cases — including 2,147 in 2023, 1,717 in 2024, and 1,140 up to June 2025 — underscoring a relentless crackdown on the drug menace. Property worth ₹36.95 crore linked to narcotics offenders has been seized during this period, with an additional ₹7.74 crore under verification.

Institutional Reinforcement with Special Task Force

In March 2025, the formation of a Special Task Force (STF) covering Dharamshala, Mandi, and Parwanoo brought significant operational muscle to the campaign. The STF covers vulnerable zones like Una, Kullu, Baddi, and Sirmaur, incorporating 13 dedicated police stations, 6 of which are already active and conducting swift operations.

Expanding Rehabilitation Infrastructure

De-addiction efforts are being scaled across the state. Centers for men are already functional in Kullu, Una, Hamirpur, and Kangra, while the Red Cross Society runs a center for women in Kullu. A 100-bed state-of-the-art rehabilitation center is under construction in Kotla Barog (Sirmaur), and plans are underway to set up similar facilities in every district.

The government is adopting a compassionate, inclusive approach for individuals battling addiction—offering medical, psychological, and vocational support to help reintegrate them into society. Skill development and self-employment opportunities are being provided to support long-term recovery.

Education and Public Awareness

To prevent early exposure to drugs, the school curriculum now includes a dedicated chapter on the dangers of substance abuse. Additionally, in partnership with NACO, the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society is running 14 Targeted Intervention Projects offering safe needle exchanges, counseling, HIV/STI referrals, oral substitution therapy, and ART linkages to reduce high-risk behavior.

Major Drug Seizures and Cultivation Crackdown

From 2023 to June 2025, enforcement agencies seized:

• 919 kg of charas

• 32.9 kg of heroin

• 1,632 kg of poppy husk

• 89.6 kg of opium

• Over 1.64 lakh drug pills and capsules

Additionally, 70 lakh cannabis plants grown illegally were destroyed. The government has introduced ward-wise mapping, categorizing areas into red, yellow, and green zones to target interventions more precisely.

A Model for the Nation

The anti-drug campaign in Himachal is seeing strong public support and delivering visible results. With strict law enforcement, legislative reforms, and holistic rehabilitation programs, the state is making rapid strides toward a Drug-Free Himachal—offering a compelling model for other states to follow.

This comprehensive, coordinated, and compassionate approach underlines Himachal’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse at every level.