Himachal Pradesh Reports 340% Increase in NDPS Cases, Says CM Sukhu
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Shimla, Jan 11 (NationPress) Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu revealed on Saturday that incidents related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act have skyrocketed by 340% within the last ten years, increasing from nearly 500 cases in 2012 to 2,200 cases in 2023.
Moreover, the proportion of cases linked to heroin has seen a twofold increase, climbing from 29% in 2020 to 50% in 2024.
During a virtual address at the regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’, hosted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Sukhu underscored the state's determination to tackle the growing drug crisis.
He highlighted a concerning shift towards synthetic drugs, which are not only more potent and addictive but also more challenging to regulate due to their complex chemical structure.
He stressed the urgent need for a holistic strategy to combat drug trafficking, particularly in interstate border regions, which have emerged as hotspots for illegal activities.
According to the Chief Minister, drug trafficking frequently intersects with organized crime and terror funding, representing a significant threat to national sovereignty and security.
He also presented Himachal Pradesh's comprehensive plan to tackle the narcotics crisis, integrating law enforcement, public health, rehabilitation, and judicial reforms.
He emphasized that those facing addiction should be treated as victims of a disease rather than criminals.
"Our strategy must go beyond punitive actions to include effective rehabilitation programs," he stated.
He mentioned that the state assembly has revised Section 37 of the NDPS Act, 1985, to eliminate legal loopholes that previously permitted habitual offenders to secure bail.
This revision has reinforced the legal framework, making it more rigorous and deterrent.
The Chief Minister indicated that the government has started implementing the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, which had been dormant until now.
This legislation allows for the detention of repeat offenders engaged in drug trafficking, thereby enhancing public safety. Sukhu noted that the state has seized illegally obtained assets worth Rs 16 crore over the last three years, with Rs 9 crore confiscated in the last year alone.
"The state is also establishing a Special Task Force (STF) focused on narcotics and drug-related offenses, equipped with specialized resources, autonomy, and dedicated police stations to intensify operations against drug networks," he added.
He highlighted the necessity of collaborating with both national and international organizations to bolster intelligence-sharing and joint operations, particularly to combat cross-border drug trafficking.
