Did Himachal Pradesh Police Dismantle 70 Lakh Cannabis Plants?

Shimla, July 13 (NationPress) Over the last two-and-a-half years, the Himachal Pradesh Police have successfully eradicated nearly 70 lakh cannabis plants from the state's challenging and remote terrains, according to officials on Sunday.

In an effort to combat the escalating issue of narcotics and synthetic drugs, which has become a pressing concern in the region, authorities have filed 5,004 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS).

The government has noted a disturbing rise in drug-related incidents in districts adjacent to pharmaceutical hubs in recent years.

Recognizing the urgency to tackle this crisis, particularly among youth increasingly affected by substances like heroin, MDMA, and tramadol, the current administration has prioritized a robust anti-drug agenda.

To combat this issue effectively, the government has accelerated efforts to enhance legal frameworks and institutional systems.

This year alone, two significant laws have been introduced.

The Himachal Pradesh Organised Crime (Prevention and Control) Act has been enacted, featuring severe penalties including the death penalty, life imprisonment, confiscation of assets, and hefty fines aimed at dismantling organized crime syndicates.

Additionally, the Himachal Pradesh Drugs and Controlled Substances (Prevention, De-addiction and Rehabilitation) Act has been established to not only impose stricter penalties for drug offenses but also to create a comprehensive framework for rehabilitation, prevention, awareness, and vocational training.

This Act also includes provisions for a state fund to support de-addiction services and community outreach, inspired by the successful model implemented in Sikkim.

A significant milestone was reached in 2024 with the enforcement of preventive detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT-NDPS), marking a critical step in dismantling drug trafficking networks.

As part of this proactive strategy, 123 proposals were submitted, resulting in 41 detention orders against habitual offenders and major drug peddlers.

The crackdown extended to include financial and logistical supporters of these traffickers.

In a comprehensive operation, the police identified 1,214 illegal properties connected to drug traffickers, took action against 70 encroachments, and initiated demolition and eviction proceedings in significant cases.

The administration also took action against 80 government employees involved in drug-related activities, reinforcing the message that no one is above the law.

From 2023 to mid-2025, the police conducted a sustained and impactful campaign across the state.

During this period, 5,004 NDPS cases were registered, with 2,147 in 2023, 1,717 in 2024, and 1,140 until June 2025.

In conjunction with arrests, the state government has undertaken a strategic economic initiative to dismantle the financial foundation of the drug trade.

In just over two years under the Congress government, assets worth Rs 36.95 crore have been seized, including Rs 4.87 crore in 2023, Rs 25.42 crore in 2024, and Rs 6.66 crore until June 2025.

Additional cases involving Rs 7.74 crore are currently under verification, indicating continuous financial disruption to the narcotics economy.

From 2023 to June 2025, the police confiscated 919 kg of charas, 32.9 kg of heroin, 1,632 kg of poppy husk, 89.6 kg of opium, and over 1.64 lakh tablets and capsules.

To ensure more targeted interventions, drug users and peddlers are being mapped by ward, categorized into red, yellow, and green zones based on their usage frequency and severity, enabling focused outreach and recovery strategies, as confirmed by the state government.