
On Drugs and National Security: Himachal CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Highlights State’s Battle Against Narcotics at Regional Conference Chaired by Amit Shah
- Breaking NewsHIMACHALPOLITICSSHIMLA
- January 11, 2025
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over a significant regional conference on “Drug Trafficking and National Security” held in New Delhi under the auspices of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu joined the conference virtually from Nadaun, expressing the state’s determined resolve to confront the growing drug crisis that poses a dual threat to public health and national security. The conference, with a strategic focus on eight northern states and Union Territories, delved into the intricate nexus between drug trafficking and organized crime, along with its implications for national security.
Chief Minister Sukhu raised alarm over the exponential rise in drug-related cases in Himachal Pradesh, revealing a staggering 340 percent increase over the past decade. Cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act escalated from around 500 in 2012 to over 2,200 in 2023. Highlighting a disturbing shift, he pointed out that the proportion of heroin-related cases has surged dramatically, doubling from 29 percent in 2020 to 50 percent in 2024. The emergence of synthetic drugs has compounded the crisis, presenting new challenges for law enforcement due to their complex chemical composition, heightened potency, and addictive potential.
In his address, Sukhu underscored the necessity for a multifaceted approach to tackle drug trafficking, particularly in sensitive interstate border regions that have become breeding grounds for illicit narcotics activities. The Chief Minister highlighted how drug trafficking is intertwined with organized crime and terror funding, posing a grave threat to the nation’s sovereignty and peace. He emphasized the importance of blending law enforcement with public health measures, judicial reforms, and rehabilitation strategies, stating that addiction is a public health issue and those affected should not be criminalized but supported through compassionate intervention.
The Himachal government’s legislative measures include amending Section 37 of the NDPS Act, 1985, to close legal loopholes that previously allowed habitual offenders to secure bail easily. By invoking the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, the state has empowered authorities to detain repeat offenders, marking a significant legal reform aimed at enhancing public safety and making the drug control system more stringent.
Sukhu highlighted that the state has confiscated illegally acquired properties worth Rs. 16 crore over the past three years, including Rs. 9 crore in the last year alone. The government is also setting up a specialized Special Task Force (STF) dedicated to narcotics and drug-related crimes, with autonomous operational powers, exclusive police stations, and specialized resources to dismantle drug networks effectively.
Collaboration with both national and international agencies was another crucial element emphasized by the Chief Minister, particularly in strengthening intelligence-sharing and joint operations to combat cross-border drug trafficking. He stressed the importance of cooperative efforts with neighboring states and the central government to dismantle the intricate trafficking networks that operate across regional boundaries.
Sukhu expressed confidence in the collective resolve of the people of Himachal Pradesh and the dedication of law enforcement agencies in creating a drug-free state. He reiterated the commitment to protect the values of peace and security that the state has always championed, ensuring a safer and healthier future for its citizens. The Chief Minister concluded with a resolute call to action, stating that the challenges are immense, but through unwavering commitment and collective effort, a drug-free Himachal Pradesh will be realized.
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