Shimla: In a significant move to combat illicit drug trafficking and enhance law enforcement, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has released Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1988 in the state.

The newly released SOP aims to address the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with narcotics cases, where many offenders are acquitted due to non-compliance with mandatory provisions.

The SOP will serve as a comprehensive guide for police officers and officials, offering a detailed process for initiating and executing detention orders and confiscating unlawfully acquired assets.

Chief Minister Sukhu stressed the pressing need to tackle the threat posed by illicit drugs and their impact on society's sense of security.

The government has prioritized combatting this menace efficiently to restore faith in the justice system.

To bolster these efforts, a specialized force dedicated to preventing drug-related crimes and an advisory board have been established to provide guidance.

Illicit drug trafficking not only poses a threat to society but also has a detrimental impact on the national economy.

These operations are highly organized and clandestine, demanding effective measures for detention of those involved.

The event was attended by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Bharat Khera, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Secretary Home Dr. Abhishek Jain, ADGPs Satwant Atwal, and Abhishek Trivedi, among others.

This initiative is set to strengthen law enforcement and curb the illicit drug trade effectively.