Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badhkhu made it clear on Wednesday that his government would not hesitate to take stringent action against anyone found involved in the illegal drug trade in the state. Speaking at a public event, the CM reiterated that the administration's policy toward drug traffickers and smugglers would remain uncompromising, with strict enforcement measures being pursued across the state.
Badhkhu acknowledged that drug addiction has become a serious concern in parts of Himachal Pradesh, particularly among young people. He emphasized that while the government would crack down hard on those supplying narcotics, it equally believes in treating those struggling with addiction as victims who need help rather than punishment.
"We will adopt a compassionate approach towards young people who have already fallen into addiction and will extend every possible support to help them recover," the CM said. He stressed that rehabilitation and de-addiction should be treated as public-health priorities, urging families and communities not to stigmatize those seeking treatment.
The chief minister's comments come against a backdrop of growing awareness about substance abuse in hill states, where drug peddlers have increasingly targeted younger populations. Law enforcement agencies in Himachal have reported seizures of narcotics over recent years, and the government says it plans to strengthen both policing and rehabilitation infrastructure in tandem.
Officials said the state would continue to expand its network of de-addiction centers and support programmes, alongside coordinated anti-trafficking operations. The dual strategy — punishment for suppliers and support for consumers — was presented as the framework guiding the government's drug-control efforts going forward.
