Dhami Promises to Make State Drug-Free in Meeting With Shah

Uttarakhand Police in August 2022 Constituted a Three-Tier Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) to Wage War on Drugs

- HT Correspondent

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday said that the state was moving ahead rapidly to realize its vision to become a drug-free state by 2025 under the drug-free Uttarakhand mission, 2025.

He was virtually participating in a regional conference on "Drug Trafficking and National Security", which was chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah.

"We are rapidly moving to realize our resolution of Drug-Free Uttarakhand-2025 and various efforts are being made at many levels in the state to cooperate in making a developed India and drug-free India by 2047," Dhami said.

Dhami emphasized the inter-links between drug trafficking and national security, stating, "The youth turning to drugs not only threatens national security but also leads to social disintegration." He added that efforts are being made at all levels—institutional, enforcement, and awareness—in the state.

"Professional criminals involved in drug trafficking and its illegal trade are being targeted with decisive action. The Anti Narcotics Task Force is leading enforcement actions, while legal steps are being taken under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to prosecute those involved in drug abuse. Rehabilitation centers have been established across districts to help bring drug addicts back into the mainstream. Strict legal measures are also in place to ensure severe action against drug dealers," he said.