Innovative Reforms Aim to Tackle Drug Addiction in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh police are redefining their approach to drug addiction, treating addicts caught with small quantities of drugs as patients needing rehabilitation instead of criminals. This shift aims to curb the rise in drug-related cases by prioritizing support and reform over punishment, reflecting a broader view of addiction as a health issue.

The Himachal Pradesh police have announced a transformative approach to tackle drug addiction in the region, aiming to treat addicts with empathy rather than punitive measures. Police chief Atul Verma stated that individuals caught with small quantities of illegal drugs will be given a chance to reform under section 64 A of the NDPS Act, which provides immunity from prosecution.

This decision follows a sharp increase in drug-related cases, with numbers rising from 644 in 2014 to 2,147 in 2023, indicating that stringent punishment alone has not deterred substance abuse. According to police data, a significant portion of those arrested were addicts-turned-peddlers, choosing illegal trade to sustain their addiction.

Collaborating with NGOs and retired prosecutors, the initiative will focus on identification and rehabilitation of addicts, seeking to replicate successful models from other states, such as Sikkim. This collaborative effort marks a substantial shift, prioritizing health and rehabilitation over deterrence, in an attempt to create a drug-free society.

(With inputs from agencies.)