Himachal Pradesh government takes strict action against drug related activities among employees and launches anti drug campaign
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh chief minister
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
on Sunday sounded the alarm over the growing nexus between drug traffickers and govt staff, revealing that more than 80 state employees — including police officers — face legal proceedings for drug-related offences.
S
peaking at the 12th HP Police Half Marathon in Shimla, Sukhu said the state govt was preparing a large-scale anti-drug operation, including the possible amendment of the police manual to enhance accountability within the force. "Even those expected to uphold the law are falling prey to the drug menace," the CM said. "We are mapping the problem down to the panchayat ward level to carry out targeted interventions."
Sukhu announced that the state will raise a special task force to intensify the crackdown, with recruitment in progress already. As part of the effort, 500 new police posts will be created to bolster enforcement. He also underscored a dual strategy combining strict law enforcement with a compassionate approach towards drug victims. The govt has invoked the PIT-NDPS Act — which Sukhu claimed had remained dormant under the previous BJP govt — to detain habitual offenders.
Of the 40 preventive detention orders approved under the Act, 36 were issued this year.
In a further sign of zero-tolerance, the state has demolished properties of seven convicted drug peddlers and is pursuing similar action against others. During the event, the CM also felicitated winners across various categories of the half marathon, including men's, women's, and senior citizens aged 75 and above.
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