Deadly high: 13 lives lost to drug overdose in just 72 days in Himachal

The drug menace in Himachal Pradesh has reached alarming proportions. At least 13 deaths due to alleged drug overdose have been reported from the state in the last 72 days (between January 1 and March 12), bringing focus on how the authorities concerned have been struggling to root out the scourge from the state.

Three deaths were reported in the last one week. Official sources revealed that this data was based on the statements of family members of the deceased and cases reported at the police stations. As per data, four deaths were reported from Shimla, three from Kullu, two each from Mandi and Bilaspur and one each from Solan and Una.

In few cases, the police registered first information reports (FIRs) against alleged peddlers, who provided drugs to the victims. It is suspected that the victims either took heroin in high doses or consumed adulterated drugs.

Last week, a death due to drug overdose was reported in Una district. A body of 29-year-old man was found under suspicious circumstances along with a syringe. The police believed that the man died because of Chitta overdose. In many other cases, bodies of drug addicts were found under similar circumstances.

Although the Himachal Pradesh Police are running a comprehensive campaign against the menace, peddlers have left no stone unturned to sell all sorts of drugs. New methods of smuggling are being adopted by drug peddlers. If we look at the figures, in the first two months of this year, the Shimla Police arrested maximum drug smugglers active in the state.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. Recently, he sought the Centre’s intervention during a virtual meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this connection. Sukhu emphasised on the need for stronger security at the state’s borders and intensified surveillance at all entry points, including popular tourist destinations to check smuggling of drugs.

The drug trade in Himachal Pradesh is closely linked to interstate corridors, with many consignments entering from Punjab, Delhi and Haryana, which share a long border with the hill state. Despite these challenges, the state police and security agencies have been making efforts to stop smuggling of drugs.

Recent drives by the Kangra and Shimla Police led to the arrest of over 400 individuals involved in interstate drug trafficking and seizure of significant quantities of heroin and charas.

However, the state faces a grim reality, as youth, including school students, are getting hooked to drugs. Officials report that many young professionals and students are not only consuming drugs, but also becoming part of the trafficking networks.

Drugs are either injected or inhaled directly by new and young consumers, who are unaware of the consequences of its overdose.

A senior police officer while talking to The Tribune said, “Chitta, which is a snow-white powdery substance derived from heroin and laced with other chemicals, is finding its way into Himachal as the drug mafia seeks to expand its market. The problem is not only confined to one part of Himachal, but to the entire state. More surveillance is required at the state border to prevent drug smuggling from other parts of the country.”