Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ in New Delhi, organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu participated virtually from Nadaun, emphasizing Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to combating the escalating drug crisis. The conference focused on addressing the nexus between drug trafficking and national security, with particular attention to eight northern states and Union Territories.
While addressing the conference, the Chief Minister said that NDPS cases have risen by 340 percent over the last decade, escalating from approximately 500 cases in 2012 to 2,200 cases in 2023. Additionally, the percentage of cases involving heroin has doubled, rising from 29 percent in 2020 to 50 percent in 2024. He noted a troubling trend towards synthetic drugs, which are not only more potent and addictive but also harder to control due to their chemical composition. He emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive approach to tackle drug trafficking, particularly in interstate border areas, which have become hotspots for illicit activities.
The Chief Minister stated that drug trafficking often overlaps with organized crime and terror funding, posing a direct threat to the nation’s sovereignty and security. He also outlined Himachal Pradesh’s multifaceted strategy to address the narcotics issue, blending law enforcement, public health, rehabilitation, and judicial reforms. He stressed that individuals struggling with addiction are victims of illness and should not be criminalized. “Our approach must transcend punitive measures to include robust rehabilitation frameworks,” he stated.
He said that the state legislature has amended Section 37 of the NDPS Act, 1985, to close legal loopholes that allowed habitual offenders to secure bail. This amendment has strengthened the legal framework, making it more stringent and deterrent. The Chief Minister said that the state government has begun invoking the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, which had remained unused in the past. This act enables the detention of repeat offenders involved in drug trafficking, thereby safeguarding public safety.
Sh. Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh has confiscated illegally acquired property worth Rs. 16 crore over the last three years, including Rs. 9 crore in the past year alone. “The state is also setting up a Special Task Force (STF) dedicated to narcotics and drug-related crimes, which will have specialized resources, autonomy, and dedicated police stations to intensify operations against drug networks,” he added.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration with national and international agencies to strengthen intelligence-sharing and joint operations, particularly to address cross-border drug trafficking. He said that cooperation with neighbouring states and the central government will be pivotal in dismantling trafficking networks that transcend regional boundaries. He said “The challenges before us are immense, but with the unwavering support of the people of Himachal Pradesh, the dedication of our law enforcement agencies, and a compassionate approach to rehabilitation, we can create a drug-free state. Together, we will protect the values of peace, harmony, and security that Himachal Pradesh has always upheld, ensuring a safer and healthier future for generations to come.”
