Himachal Pradesh has seen a 40 per cent surge in cases registered under the NDPS Act over the past 14 years, with heroin-related cases doubling from 29 per cent to 50 per cent between 2019 and 2023, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said at a regional conference on drug trafficking and national security in Delhi on Saturday. Sukhu, who attended virtually, noted that properties worth Rs 16 crore belonging to drug peddlers had been confiscated in the past three years, including Rs 9 crore last year alone.
Sukhu expressed concern over the growing prevalence of synthetic drugs, citing their potency, addictive nature, and complex chemical composition. He emphasised the need for a multi-pronged strategy to tackle drug trafficking, particularly in border areas like Una, Bilaspur, Solan, and Paonta Sahib, which have become vulnerable to the menace.
Sources revealed that over a dozen drug overdose deaths were reported in 2024 in the state, while Shimla police arrested 1,354 drug peddlers and registered 705 NDPS cases. Many rackets busted in districts like Shimla, Solan, and Una involved suppliers from Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
Sukhu highlighted amendments to Section 37 of the NDPS Act, 1985, aimed at plugging legal loopholes that allowed habitual offenders to secure bail. The state has also begun invoking the PIT-NDPS Act, empowering authorities to detain repeat offenders.
“The challenges are immense, but with the commitment of law enforcement, community support, and effective rehabilitation, we can create a drug-free Himachal Pradesh,” Sukhu said, stressing that addiction should be treated as an illness rather than a crime.
Water tanker scam: Vigilance investigates Theog irregularities
CPI (M) leader Rakesh Singha met state vigilance officers investigating the alleged water tanker scam in Theog, where tankers meant for village water supply were reportedly diverted to private hotels in Shimla. Singha raised concerns about discrepancies in vehicle records and urged vigilance officials to ensure an impartial probe.
The scam surfaced through RTI findings revealing payments worth Rs 1 crore issued for water transportation by implausible vehicles like motorcycles and private cars. Ten officials from the Jal Shakti Department were suspended, and a preliminary inquiry has been submitted to Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.
Una police have filed an FIR against Manjot Singh Manni, a member of the Ravi Balachauria gang, for making extortion and threat calls to local businessmen. The Punjab-based gangster, arrested earlier by Punjab police, revealed plans to target businessmen in Nangal, Una district.
During interrogation, Manni admitted to burying a pistol in Una and conducting reconnaissance of a businessman’s residence. Punjab police recovered weapons from him and shared inputs with Una police, leading to the FIR. Balachauria, the gang leader, remains wanted in multiple cases of drug peddling, extortion, and attempted murder.
Stay informed with access to our award-winning journalism.
Avoid misinformation with trusted, accurate reporting.
Make smarter decisions with insights that matter.
