271 drug offenders arrested by Mandi police this year
In a concerted effort to combat the growing drug menace, the Mandi police have arrested 271 individuals, including 11 women, for drug-related offenses so far this year, a significant crackdown that underscores the department's zero-tolerance stance on narcotics.
Talking to The Tribune, Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma said a total of 210 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. “The police have worked relentlessly to curb the supply and consumption of illicit substances, with a focus on dismantling drug trafficking networks and seizing drugs before they could reach the public,” the SP added.
“As part of their efforts, the police have seized large quantities of illegal narcotics. These include 48.69 kg of cannabis, 642 gm of opium, 6.09 gm of smack and 8.23 kg of poppy husk. Additionally, they destroyed nearly 2 lakh poppy plants and over 9 lakh cannabis plants, which were being illegally cultivated in the district. The authorities also seized 77 tablets and 1.36 kg of heroin during the operations,” the SP said.
This crackdown is part of the Mandi police's ongoing commitment to safeguard the community and prevent the spread of drugs. SP Verma emphasised that the police are determined to deal with drug offenders in the strictest possible manner, ensuring that anyone caught dealing in or using narcotics faces the full force of the law.
“The police continue to rely on intelligence networks, community cooperation and stringent enforcement measures to tackle the drug trade effectively,” the SP said.
SP Verma also highlighted the importance of community awareness and urged residents to come forward with any information related to drug trafficking. She assured that all tips would be treated with utmost confidentiality and anyone helping in the fight against drugs would be appreciated.
In a region where drug abuse has been a growing concern, this heavy-handed approach by the Mandi police serves as a warning to offenders and as a message of hope to the community. With continued vigilance and strict enforcement, Mandi district hopes to see a lasting reduction in drug-related issues and a safer environment for all.
