Standing strong against drug trafficking, Haryana to host regional conference to fight against drug menace

Chandigarh, August 20: Asserting the arrest of people involved in drug trafficking, the state of Haryana will host a regional conference of Chief Ministers of five northern States on the topic of drug menace, challenges, and strategies to combat this menace.

The Chief Ministers of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Administrator of the union territory of Chandigarh would participate in the conference. This came in the backdrop after the recent curbs in Punjab, that have driven drug peddlers to Himachal Pradesh to explore new markets and clients.

In a letter written in response to the letter of Punjab Chief Minister, Capt. Amarinder Singh, regarding curbing the problem of drug menace from society, CM Manohar Lal had recently called for a joint action by all states to eradicate the menace of drugs and lending strong support to any endeavor to free the society free from the evils of drug abuse and drug addiction.

Haryana Government is fully committed to effectively checking the smuggling and sale of narcotics and to fully cooperating with all states, the Chief Minister had said in his letter.

With this in mind, Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh, Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, and Uttrakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat will have a detailed discussion for a consensus on how best to deal with illegal peddlers, suppliers and those engaged in this clandestine trade in all four states.

The recent cases of recovery of heroin in Shimla have created serious concern with Himachal Pradesh High Court passing a strict order that mere seizure of the drugs will not solve the problem, prescribing the need for tougher measures.

After meeting with the counterparts, the state agencies will work out a joint strategy to start the biggest ever crack-down on drugs and will also amend the NDPS act, if needed. The state cabinet also discussed the issue in details and passed directions to the Chief Secretary to start action without any delays.