Special Task Force to combat drug abuse, organised crime: Sukhu

The state government has taken a significant decision towards combating drug abuse and dismantling organised crime networks by establishing a Special Task Force (STF).

Stating this, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that drug abuse has become a global challenge requiring stringent measures. “The state government has enacted laws to curb this menace, including provisions for confiscating the properties of offenders involved in drug trafficking,” he said.

The Chief Minister said in order to strengthen its operations, the STF will operate across three zones headed by Superintendents of Police in Dharamsala, Parwanoo and Mandi, with its headquarters here in Shimla. The task force will submit fortnightly progress reports to the government, which will review its actions and strategies as needed.

He said a special task force (STF) under the leadership of Additional Director General of Police or Inspector General of Police has been established to make the state drug-free and foster a healthy and civilized society. “The STF will be equipped with a dedicated commando force, with personnel undergoing specialised training on anti-narcotics and organised crime in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau,” he stated. Half of the STF personnel will be recruited specifically for this purpose, while the remaining staff will be drawn from the existing Police department, he added.

Sukhu said the primary objectives of the STF include disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking networks, taking action against drug kingpins and organized gangs and strengthening intelligence gathering through faster forensic protocols. The task force will conduct coordinated raids, seize illicit assets linked to the drug trade, and implement preventive detention of habitual offenders, he stated.

He said the thrust will be on promoting rehabilitation over punitive measures by expanding access to addiction treatment and compassionate rehabilitation programmes. “Community engagement will be enhanced through initiatives like the “Him Veer” program and “Him Dost,” along with state-wide awareness campaigns in schools and colleges. To ensure swift justice, the government plans to establish special courts for the NDPS cases and focus on fast-tracking investigations and prosecutions,” the Chief Minister said.