All neighbouring States to Himachal mull plan to combat drug menace :

1. With the increased involvement of foreign nationals in the narcotics trade, the police of the northern states will chalk out a joint strategy to combat the drug menace. A coordination meeting of senior police officials from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir,Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh was held.

2. It was decided to involve the states during the interrogation of foreign nationals, also shared information regarding the proclaimed offenders (POs), who belong to other states but are wanted in other states for their involvement in the NDPS cases. There were 31 POs from other states wanted in their involvement in narcotic cases in Himachal.

3. It was also decided to strengthen the Central Secretariat that has been set up in Panchkula by all northern states to check the narcotics trade.

4. Emphasis was laid on the need for timely and regular sharing of information regarding the involvement of people in the drug trade.

5. Efforts would also be made to stop flow of designer drugs which are being formulated to circumvent the NDPS Act by certain drug manufacturers. Talks were also held on launching a crackdown on foreign nationals involved in the drug trade.

6. It was also decided to use an app which will ensure flow of intelligence on those involved in the drug trade while keeping their identity secret. Stress was also laid on timely sharing of information. It was also decided to identify and take strict action against chemists who were selling medicines without doctors’ prescription.