Drug overdose claimed 11 lives in last one-and-a-half years in Himachal

A total of 11 deaths were reported in the state due to drug overdose, besides the registration of 2,947 cases under the NDPS Act in the last one and a half years. The figures were revealed in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in response to a question asked by MLAs Deep Raj and Malender Rajan. During this period, property worth Rs 11.05 crore of those involved in the illegal drug trade was confiscated.

Chief minister in Vidhan sabha

• Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said in order to combat drug trafficking, the state government had implemented stringent measures under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PITNDPS Act).
• As per notification dated April 5, 2021, a detaining authority was appointed and an Advisory Board was notified on April 13, 2023.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said in order to combat drug trafficking, the state government had implemented stringent measures under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PITNDPS Act). “As per notification dated April 5, 2021, a detaining authority was appointed and an Advisory Board was notified on April 13, 2023. The state DGP issued a standing order dated October 11, 2023, which mandates the detention of drug traffickers to prevent their involvement in drug-related activities,” he said.

Till date, the detaining authority has issued detention orders against three accused, while proceedings are going on against 16 others. Additionally, an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) led by CID/DG has been set up by the state government. The ANTF also functions as the Secretariat of Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), enhancing coordination in anti-narcotics efforts.

Properties acquired through drug trafficking are being seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act.

The CM also said that in order to curb the cultivation of cannabis and opium, targeted eradication campaigns were underway. Public awareness campaigns were also being conducted to educate the youth and general public about the dangers of drug abuse, he said. Anti-drug committees have been established at each police station level and toll-free number 1908 has been launched for reporting illegal drug trafficking activities. In addition, the state has introduced the Drug-Free Himachal mobile app to discourage drug use and distribution, with ongoing efforts to maximise its downloads through awareness campaigns.

A coordination secretariat for the northern states has been set up in Panchkula, with HP Police personnel being deployed to facilitate the exchange of drug-related information and strengthen anti-narcotics measures.

A total of 17 cases have been proposed under PITNDPS Act, with detention orders issued in three cases. For the remaining cases, relevant Station House Officers (SHOs) and authorities have been advised to oppose bail applications based on the accused’s prior criminal history and recurrence of similar offences. Replying to a question regarding the total number of government-operated drug de-addiction centres, the CM said there was only one de-addiction centre operational in the state, while there were no such centres in the border areas of the state.