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‘Chitta’ consumption on the rise; CM for tough laws to curb menace

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Bhanu P Lohumi

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Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 16

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With smuggling and consumption of chitta (heroin) assuming alarming proportions in the hill state of Himachal, fractured approach to curb the drug menace will not work and setting up of an exclusive multi-disciplinary narcotics force (MNF) alone could help combat it.

Himachal is facing twin problems of cannabis and opium cultivation and diversion of psychotropic and synthetic drugs from pharmaceuticals and chemists as it shares border with four states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

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Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has said stringent laws would be enacted to curb the menace. Former Chief Minister and Kangra MP Shanta Kumar has also warned that “Himachal will face Punjab-like situation if strong measures are not taken”.

Chitta has been seized in Shimla, Sirmaur, Kullu and Solan district which is a disturbing trend. Investigations have pointed out that it is being smuggled from Delhi. It is a dangerous drug as the user becomes addict within a week, says DGP S R Mardi.

OP Sharma, former superintendent of the Narcotics Control Bureau (Chandigarh division), who has worked over a period of time in the area, says a comprehensive drug policy with a dedicated MNF for 15 years under the control of the DGP or Home Department alone can help eradicate drug menace.

The MNF should be well-equipped and capable of dealing with multi-dimensional drugs menace. Expert from horticulture, agriculture and industry should be roped in to explore alternative avenues of income, Sharma said, adding that joint patrolling on 24X7 basis with the neighbouring states and vigil in industrial areas and frequent raids by drug inspectors were required.

Sharma further said the MNF should work under the ambit of an advisory committee comprising two SP-rank officers – one for enforcement and intelligence and other for coordination and administration - supported by well-trained anti-narcotics task force, headed by police officers of DSP rank.

Kullu, a drug haven

  • By 2002, cannabis and opium were grown in lakhs of bighas but the consumption among locals was negligible.
  • Khir Ganga area, Malana, Parbati valley, Kasol and Naggar on the suburbs of Manali (Kullu) became notorious as Israelis trained locals for cannabis cultivation. Then hybrid seeds were introduced.
  • Lab equipment were recovered from Manali during raids and the first time, the presence of gangs indulging in drug trade surfaced.
  • Cannabis was being smuggled to Pushkar, Goa, Punjab and Haryana.
  • After indulgence of youth in cough syrups and tablets, now chitta (heroin) made inroads in Himachal.
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