Drug crackdown unleashes shockwaves

A sustained and aggressive crackdown on narcotics in Himachal Pradesh has triggered a sharp rise in NDPS cases, unveiling not only the scale of drug trafficking but also disturbing links to government insiders. Over the past three years, the state has registered 5,642 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a 28% jump, while 8,216 arrests reflect both the depth of the crisis and the heightened enforcement drive.

What has further alarmed authorities is the involvement of government personnel in the drug trade. Sixty employees, including 15 police officials, have been identified for their role in trafficking. Five have already been dismissed, and legal proceedings against the remaining individuals are underway.

These developments were reviewed at the 6th meeting of the State Narcotics Coordination Centre, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on the Vidhan Sabha premises in Dharamsala on Tuesday. Urging for a collective societal push, the Chief Minister called for a “mass movement” to confront the menace of drugs, particularly synthetic substances like chitta.

Sukhu directed officials to intensify operations to eliminate chitta and other narcotics from the state. Specialised CID and police units have already been deployed in 234 sensitive panchayats identified as high-risk zones. Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to set up anti-drug committees in these vulnerable areas to strengthen surveillance and coordination.

Representatives from the Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and other central agencies participated in the meeting, reflecting a broader inter-agency strategy. The CM also ordered district administrations to identify properties amassed through drug money by December 10. He warned that such illegal assets would be demolished and those involved prosecuted.

To widen public awareness and community engagement, the government will soon launch district and sub-division-level anti-chitta walkathons. Sukhu said the state is pursuing a dual strategy, strict enforcement coupled with robust rehabilitation and counselling efforts. He highlighted that drug testing has now been made compulsory for government recruitment, while monitoring of cannabis cultivation and inspections of pharmaceutical units have been intensified.

In a bid to encourage public participation, the government has rolled out a “Chitta Information Reward Scheme”, offering incentives between Rs 10,000 and Rs 10 lakh for credible information, to be disbursed within 30 days. Citizens can report tips through the 112 helpline or the nearest police station.