Checking drug menace: 297 cases registered, 475 arrested in Mandi distrist

In intensified action against drug traffickers in Mandi district, a total of 297 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act this year till November and 475 persons arrested in the district. The police have confiscated 1.323 kg opium, 1.079 kg chitta (heroin), 60.353 kg charas and 1,686 prohibited tablets during the ongoing operations.

Elaborating on the action taken, Mandi SP Sakshi Verma said,"The month of November witnessed significant enforcement activity with 18 cases filed, 23 accused arrested, 28.63 grams chitta/heroin seized and 3.35 kg charas recovered."

Apart from this, the Forest Department uprooted and destroyed 161,238 poppy plants and 367,094 cannabis plants.

Verma stated that Mandi Police are working relentlessly not only to arrest peddlers but also to break the supply chain. She stated that community cooperation remained vital, urging citizens to share information about drug hotspots or suspicious activities. Reports can be sent anonymously via WhatsApp at 9317221001 or through email at dcmandi33@gmail.com, with the assurance that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

She further encouraged people to make use of the Drug Free Himachal mobile app and helplines 1800-11-0031, 1933, and 14446 to access counselling, reporting tools, and de-addiction support.

"We are committed to dismantling every network involved in drug trafficking in Mandi" the SP said.

Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan stated that the district administration has zero tolerance against drug trade and directions have been given to the authorities concerned to curb this illicit trade in the district.