Reinforcing the Himachal Pradesh government’s resolve to curb drug abuse and strengthen law and order, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday flagged off a new fleet of 18 modern police vehicles from the State Secretariat in Shimla. The initiative marks a significant push towards equipping the state police with advanced technology, faster mobility, and better resources to tackle emerging security challenges, particularly the growing menace of drug trafficking and organised crime.
The newly inducted fleet comprises 12 specialised anti-chitta vehicles, four vehicles dedicated to combating human trafficking, and two ambulances meant for emergency rescue operations. These vehicles have been designed to support rapid response, enhanced patrolling, and effective surveillance, especially in vulnerable and sensitive areas of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasised that technology has become a crucial pillar in the fight against drugs and crime. He said the state government is systematically empowering the police force with smart equipment, modern vehicles, digital monitoring tools, and advanced communication systems so that crimes can be detected, controlled, and addressed swiftly. According to him, the integration of technology with policing is essential to ensure public safety in a geographically challenging state like Himachal Pradesh.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the anti-chitta vehicles are equipped with modern technical facilities that will significantly improve the police department’s ability to track drug networks, monitor suspicious activities, and respond quickly to incidents. He added that better mobility and upgraded infrastructure would allow the police to extend their reach to remote and difficult terrains, where drug trafficking and other illegal activities often go unnoticed.
The Chief Minister underlined that the state government is working towards building a technology-enabled, accountable, and people-friendly police system. He said the modernisation of the police force is being undertaken in a phased manner, with equal focus on training, infrastructure development, and expansion of resources. The objective, he noted, is not only to enhance enforcement capabilities but also to ensure transparency, efficiency, and public trust in policing.
Highlighting the government’s firm stance against drug abuse, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said protecting the youth from falling prey to narcotics is a top priority. He stated that drug addiction poses a serious threat to society, families, and the future of young people, and therefore, strengthening the police force is a vital step in creating a safer and healthier environment across the state.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the Himachal Pradesh Police has achieved notable success in recent times by dismantling major drug networks operating in the region. He said illegal properties worth several crores of rupees have been seized, and numerous drug traffickers have been arrested and sent to jail. Strict laws such as the NDPS Act and PIT-NDPS have been enforced rigorously, enabling the government to take direct and decisive action not just against individuals, but against entire drug syndicates.
Alongside operational strengthening, the state government is also focusing on the welfare, morale, and career progression of police personnel. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that over the past year, a large number of promotions have been granted across various ranks, including constables, inspectors, sub-inspectors, and assistant sub-inspectors. Personnel from other cadres and the driver cadre have also been promoted, which has helped boost morale and improve leadership within the force. He added that a motivated police force is essential for effective law enforcement and public service.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s achievements in adopting modern crime-tracking and justice delivery systems. Under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems, Himachal Pradesh has secured the top position among hill states, including those in the North-East. The state has also ranked first in its category under the Inter-operable Criminal Justice System, reflecting strong coordination between police, courts, and other agencies. Additionally, the compliance rate under the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences has crossed 93 percent, indicating improved monitoring and timely action in sensitive cases.
These achievements, he said, demonstrate that the Himachal Pradesh Police is steadily transforming into a modern, capable, and result-oriented force, equipped to deal with contemporary challenges.
Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, along with other senior officers of the police department, was present during the flag-off ceremony. The event marked another step in the state government’s broader strategy to ensure law and order, curb drug-related crimes, and strengthen public confidence in the policing system.
