Shimla, May 11
The Himachal Pradesh government has intensified its crackdown on the drug menace, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announcing strict action against those involved in the narcotics trade and consumption, including the demolition of properties allegedly built from drug money. Addressing the issue, Chief Minister Sukhu said that out of 123 government employees found involved in drug-related cases, 31 have already been dismissed from service, while action is being initiated to sack 90 more employees. He added that strict monitoring is being carried out across departments.
Sukhu said the second phase of the “Drug-Free Himachal Campaign” will run from June 1 to August 20, during which awareness programmes will be conducted in schools and colleges across the state to curb drug abuse among youth.
He informed that the state has identified around 12,000 individuals involved in drug consumption and that 234 panchayats have been classified into red, yellow and green zones based on the intensity of drug-related activity. Police are closely monitoring these areas.
Sharing enforcement data, the Chief Minister said that 6,811 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 10,357 people. He also said that 45 kilograms of heroin have been recovered and 174 major drug traffickers have been jailed.
He further said that drug testing will now be mandatory in police recruitment and other government recruitment processes. Strict action will also be taken against pharmaceutical companies or pharmacists found to be involved in illegal drug trafficking, including the cancellation of licences.
The Chief Minister said that the government is implementing the PIT NDPS Act effectively and has also launched rehabilitation initiatives, including a dedicated de-addiction centre for girls at Mashobra and another facility at Tanda Medical College.
As part of the upcoming campaign phase, Deputy Commissioners will visit educational institutions and panchayats, while walkathons will be organized across districts to spread awareness. The Chief Minister himself is expected to participate in these programmes.
