CM participates virtually in conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’
Punjab Newsline, Shimla, January 11-
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ in New Delhi, organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu participated virtually from Nadaun, emphasizing Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to combating the escalating drug crisis. The conference focused on addressing the nexus between drug trafficking and national security, with particular attention to eight northern states and Union Territories.
While addressing the conference, the Chief Minister said that NDPS cases have risen by 340 percent over the last decade, escalating from approximately 500 cases in 2012 to 2,200 cases in 2023. Additionally, the percentage of cases involving heroin has doubled, rising from 29 percent in 2020 to 50 percent in 2024. He noted a troubling trend towards synthetic drugs, which are not only more potent and addictive but also harder to control due to their chemical composition. He emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive approach to tackle drug trafficking, particularly in interstate border areas, which have become hotspots for illicit activities.