Resolution passed to make NDPS Act more ‘stringent’

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday passed a resolution to amend Section 37 of the NDPS Act to make it more stringent by making illicit drug trade a non-bailable offence. Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri introduced a resolution in the House.The resolution advocates zero tolerance towards drug-related offences and proposes at least 10-20 years’ jail with Rs 5 lakh fine, life imprisonment for drug trafficking gangs, and confiscation of property earned through drug selling. It also recommends formation of committees to create awareness about drug addiction.“Drugs are destroying generations, and the state government is determined to make the state drug free,” the deputy CM said as he requested the MLAs not to use their influence on police in case of drugs. He said drugs, especially ‘chitta’, is ruining the youth and appealed for strong support from the entire House in the fight against drugs. Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri informed the House that after the formation of the present government in the state, 530 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and 728 people arrested till February 28, 2023. Charge sheets were filed against 238 people in 182 cases while two people were convicted, he added.