Himachal Pradesh Police Launches Major Crackdown on Synthetic Drug Trade
Statewide Action Against Drug Traffickers
Shimla
The Himachal Pradesh Police have intensified their efforts to combat the synthetic drug known as ‘chitta’, implementing a comprehensive statewide operation as part of their strict anti-narcotics policy.
Following instructions from Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, law enforcement officials detained 16 suspected major drug traffickers on Saturday during coordinated raids across various districts.
Reports indicate that the detainees include four individuals from Solan and Dehra, three from Baddi, two from Nurpur, and one each from Hamirpur, Mandi, and Sirmaur.
With this latest operation, the total number of arrests under the PIT-NDPS Act has reached 62 since its implementation in 2023. Additionally, financial investigations have led to the confiscation of illegal assets valued at approximately Rs 48 crore, according to police sources.
This crackdown is part of a broader initiative that includes public awareness campaigns spearheaded by the Chief Minister, such as the Anti-Chitta Walkathons held in Shimla on November 15 and Dharamshala on December 1. These events aimed to engage the community and emphasize that the fight against drugs is a collective societal responsibility.
A thorough assessment of these operations was conducted during the recent 6th State-Level NCORD meeting at Tapovan in Dharamshala, marking the first time a Himachal Chief Minister has led this coordination forum. Sukhu urged officials to transform the campaign into a ‘people’s movement’ and to expedite actions against drug syndicates that are infiltrating both rural and urban areas.
The police have called on citizens, particularly the youth, to report any drug-related information via helpline 112 or at their nearest police station, assuring that the identities of informants will remain confidential.
Emphasizing the urgency of dismantling the chitta network, law enforcement has committed to enhancing enforcement measures, financial tracking, and community involvement to eliminate this issue at its core.