Illegal assets worth Rs 9 crore of drug traffickers seized in 2024
In a drive against drug traffickers, the police had confiscated illegal properties worth Rs 9 crore in 2024 and arrested government officials, police personnel, lawyers and doctors involved in the illegal activity.
The alleged involvement of government officials in drug trafficking, which is spreading its tentacles into the rural areas of the state, was a shocking development. The police had arrested a Tehsil Welfare Officer, Tehsildar, doctor, lawyer and some police personnel for their alleged links to the drug mafia active in the state.
The police, in collaboration with various enforcement agencies, initiated a systematic drive to seal and demolish properties linked to drug trafficking. To further disrupt drug supply chains and dismantle trafficking networks, 40 to 50 locations were searched for the first time in the state. The government is also prioritising the up-gradation of forensic labs to enhance investigative capabilities.
“The government is taking strict action against police personnel and government employees found involved in drug trafficking. In addition to enforcement measures, awareness campaigns are being conducted regularly to educate people about the dangers of drug abuse,” said a government spokesperson, here today.
During 2024, the police seized 368.20 kg of charas, 36.20 kg of opium, 11.14 kg of heroin, 668.67 kg of poppy husk and 33.64 kg of ganja. Besides, they destroyed 37,20,654 cannabis plants and 3,78,152 poppy plants while seized 289,68,041 psychotropic substance tablets. The police also arrested 2,515 individuals involved in drug-related activities.
In 2024, 45 proposals for preventive detention were submitted, compared to none until 2022 and four detention orders were sanctioned against repeat offenders.
The government is also planning to introduce the Himachal Pradesh Anti-Drug Act in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha session to strengthen legal provisions, impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders and promote rehabilitation for addicts and first-time minor offenders.
As part of its onslaught against drug trafficking, the police managed to trace linkages with kingpins of the drug trade and also establish financial transactions. The police dismantled drug networks, confiscated illicit assets and took stringent legal action against offenders under the NDPS Act and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, 1988.
To strengthen enforcement, the state government has approved a Special Task Force (STF) on Narcotics and Organised Crime, which will be a dedicated unit with necessary resources, powers and autonomy to exclusively focus on narcotics, drug trafficking and organised crime.
