Haryana’s anti-drug movement gains pace with 1,800 arrests this year

The Haryana Government has escalated its fight against drug abuse, urging citizens to actively contribute to the vision of a Drug-Free Haryana. Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra emphasised the importance of community involvement, calling for the use of the MANAS Helpline 1933, a 24x7 confidential service. "Citizens can report drug trafficking activities, including the sale, purchase and illicit cultivation of narcotics," she said, highlighting the platform’s secure nature.

The MANAS Helpline also offers resources for de-addiction and rehabilitation and provides educational materials such as posters, videos and brochures available at NCB's website.

In addition to government efforts, surveillance tools like the GIS-enabled MAPDRUGS portal and mobile app are enhancing precision in monitoring illegal drug activities. Misra also revealed the launch of the Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0, aimed at mass public participation. Flagged off from Sirsa, the Cyclothon spanned 90 constituencies from April 5 to 27, with over 4.5 lakh cyclists and 7.2 lakh citizens participating.

The government’s enforcement measures have been rigorous. In the first four months of the current year, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) seized over 22 kg of heroin, nearly 58 kg of charas and over 1,500 kg of ganja, among other narcotics. "We have registered 1,130 cases under the NDPS Act, with 143 involving commercial quantities," Misra stated. A total of 1,801 arrests were made, including 332 for trafficking commercial quantities. Furthermore, 34 individuals were detained under the PITNDPS Act, 1988.