Haryana’s Multi-Faceted Approach to Combat Drug Trafficking

Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Sumita Misra today said that the state has adopted a comprehensive governmental strategy, integrating law enforcement, public health, education, and community leadership in its decisive battle against drug trafficking and substance abuse. “Our goal is not just seizures and arrests, but systemic disruption and long-term rehabilitation,” she added.

Attending the 8th Apex Committee Meeting of NCORD (National Coordination Mechanism for Drug Law Enforcement), chaired by the Union Home Secretary, Dr. Sumita Misra apprised that the Haryana Government recently launched a comprehensive anti-drug campaign Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

This flagship event was flagged off by Chief Minister himself in Sirsa and covered all assembly constituencies between April 5 and April 27, 2025. The Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 emerged as a powerful symbol of collective resolve against drug abuse, witnessing enthusiastic participation from government officials, local leaders, women, youth, and village communities. 

Covering an impressive distance of over 2,010 kilometers across all districts, the Cyclothon drew overwhelming public support, with 7,23,568 people attending various campaign events and 4,56,004 cyclists actively joining the movement. She informed that the MANAS helpline (1933) has been operationalized statewide, with nodal officers appointed at both district and state levels. 

Orientation sessions have been conducted in collaboration with NCB Chandigarh, and all key departments have been directed to promote the helpline in their IEC materials. Dr. Misra apprised that between January and April 2025, Haryana registered 143 cases under the NDPS Act involving commercial quantities of narcotics. 

A total of 332 individuals were arrested, including 145 inter-state smugglers. Seizures included 1.5 kg of heroin, 40 kg of charas, 904 kg of ganja, 50 kg of opium, 5,874 kg of poppy straw, over 91,000 tablets, 1,604 bottles, and nearly 48,000 capsules reflecting the extensive scale of the illicit drug trade being tackled in the state, she added.

Dr. Misra highlighted that the Haryana Government has also established eight exclusive Fast Track Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Special Courts in the districts namely Ambala, Hisar, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Panipat. Plans are on the cards to establish such special courts in other districts as well. 

These courts have been set up to expedite the trial of offences under the said Act, ensuring timely adjudication and reinforcing the state’s commitment to combating drug trafficking through a robust judicial mechanism, she added. Apart from this, 143 cases involving illegally acquired assets of drug offenders have been referred to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for financial investigations. 

Monthly Master Reports (MMRs) detailing major seizures are shared with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) by the State Crime Branch to ensure coordinated intelligence and joint operations. The Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Misra informed that Haryana is also leveraging digital platforms such as the NCORD portal and the NIDAAN system (National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders).  

She   emphasized the state’s pioneering Drug-Free Panchayat/Ward Campaign, which certifies areas as “drug-free” only if there are no active peddlers and all known addicts are receiving treatment. As of March 2025, 4,054 Panchayats (55.32%) and 859 Wards (42.31%) have achieved drug-free status. 

The “Sports for Youth” initiative, operated in 2,515 villages through trained police coaches, is engaging over 1.96 lakh youth in regular sports activities to promote discipline, fitness, and a positive relationship with law enforcement. SEWA, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, is leading district-level efforts chaired by Deputy Commissioners. 

The Education Department promotes anti-drug awareness through student-led Prahari Clubs. Haryana Uday program, has conducted 2,482 awareness events and facilitated the publication of 1,637 anti-drug news items between January and April 2025, reaching over 16.5 lakh people.

Dr. Misra apprised that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) is spearheading innovative social campaigns such as the viral Nasha Mukt Jeevan Bucket Challenge, which has received over 50 lakh views online. Another impactful initiative, the Namak Lota Abhiyan (Hriday Parivartan Abhiyan), encourages small-time drug offenders to publicly renounce the trade in a culturally symbolic ritual and supports them with rehabilitation, skills training, and reintegration into society.

Dr. Misra further informed that Haryana is upgrading its State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to better detect and analyze synthetic drugs and issue early alerts to enforcement agencies. Synthetic drug seizures are flagged for immediate attention, and proactive alerts are issued as part of the state’s multi-tiered strategy to dismantle organized drug trafficking networks.

 

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