Separate e-way bill sought for tracking narcotic substances to curb misuse

Himachal Pradesh has sought separate e-way bill for tracking of narcotic substances under GST to prevent misuse of narcotic substances by pharmaceutical units handling narcotic drugs.

An official spokesperson said here today that the state government would soon constitute a committee under the chairmanship of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to oversee operations of licensed pharmaceutical companies dealing in narcotic formulations. This committee will include officers from the Excise Department, Police and Drug Control Authority to ensure compliance with regulatory norms and preventing misuse of narcotic substances.

To further enhance traceability, the state government has formally approached the GST Council, seeking introduction of a dedicated e-way bill mechanism, specifically for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This step is expected to enable real-time monitoring of their movement across the supply chain, thereby tightening control at every stage.

“This fight is not just about laws, rules and regulations, it is about saving lives and protecting our future generations. My government will act decisively and without compromise. Together, with the support of the people of the State, we will build a Himachal free from the grip of drugs,” the Chief Minister asserted. In a move to curb the growing menace of drug abuse, the state government has initiated a series of strong measures aimed at ensuring strict monitoring, regulation and enforcement, he added.

Apart from this, the Department of State Taxes and Excise has imposed quantity restrictions on the handling of narcotic drugs by license holders. This measure is intended to minimise the risk of excess stock being diverted for illegal use.

The spokesperson said the government was revising the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Rules, 1989 and updating the Integrated Drug Prevention Policy.