‘Chitta’ peddler sent to preventive detention
Guddu Ram, a resident of Luhri in Anni subdivision, has been placed under preventive detention for three months due to his active but clandestine involvement in drug trafficking, particularly heroin (chitta). According to Kullu SP Karthikeyan Gokulachandran, three cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act have been registered against Guddu Ram, with heroin recovered from his possession in each instance.
The SP said, “Guddu Ram had been arrested under the NDPS several times but he still continued to engage in illicit drug trafficking. Consequently, the district police forwarded a proposal for preventive detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS Act) to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Himachal Pradesh.” Acting on the proposal, the detaining authority issued an order for Guddu Ram’s custody, and he was sent to the district jail yesterday.
Legal experts have voiced concerns about systemic challenges in addressing narcotics crimes. They noted that heroin peddlers often secure bail and resume their illegal activities, as individuals cannot be labelled as repeated offenders until they are convicted. Even in cases where commercial quantities of contraband are recovered, the accused frequently exploit legal loopholes to avoid stringent penalties, leading to a sense of impunity.
Legal expert Shailender said possessing over 240 gram of heroin, valued at around Rs 12 lakh, qualifies as a commercial quantity under the law. He also mentioned that the largest seizure of 'chitta' from an individual in Kullu to date has been around 65 gm. He highlighted the modus operandi of drug suppliers and said, “Suppliers often turn addicts into peddlers, perpetuating the cycle of addiction and trafficking. To effectively combat this menace, the authorities must target and dismantle the larger drug supply networks.”
Local community has expressed their frustration over the societal damage caused by such peddlers. Residents emphasised the need for stricter laws to address habitual offenders while advocating for proper medical treatment and counselling for drug addicts to help reintegrate them into society. “Those who are destroying the very foundation of our society by spreading this poison must be brought to justice,” a resident stated.
The SP assured that the police were employing all possible measures to curb heroin trafficking and related crimes in the region. He urged the public to report anti-social activities, with a promise to keep their identities confidential. The collaboration between the law enforcement authorities and the community is expected to play a vital role in tackling this grave issue.
