Eight arrested in statewide crackdown on drug trade

Eight persons were apprehended and 5 kg of poppy husk and 25 gram of chitta (heroin) was seized by the Himachal Pradesh (HP) police during a major crackdown on illegal drug trade across the state.

In all, 42 teams of the HP Police simultaneously conducted the operation at 42 locations in Kangra, Nurpur, Chamba, Una and Bilaspur police districts on September 15. The teams comprising investigation officers and other personnel, were led by Inspector General of Police (IG), Northern Range, with strategic support from a special team stationed at the police headquarters.

The police also impounded three vehicles (XUV 300 and Alto), including a two-wheeler, linked to the narcotics trade. Furthermore, around 57 litres of illicit liquor was also recovered and four additional cases registered under the Excise Act. Besides, a formal communication was sent to the local authorities to take action against one suspect’s residence, built on encroached government land.

A spokesperson of the Police Department said, “Raids were conducted at eight locations in Kangra, 10 in Nurpur, seven in Chamba, six in Una and 11 in Bilaspur. The primary aim of the exercise was to seize narcotic substances and secure critical evidence to dismantle larger drug trafficking networks, identify key operators and trace their assets. Four cases have been registered under the NDPS Act.”

He said a dedicated team was scrutinising digital devices and other material seized during raids to establish both forward and backward links of the suspects as well as uncover properties purchased by them through money earned from the illegal drug trade. The findings from forensic analyses would be pursued with heightened focus, he said.

“This operation exemplifies the unflinching determination of the HP police and unwavering resolve to obliterate the illegal drug trade. The force remains committed to take swift, decisive and uncompromising measures against suspects involved in narcotic-related crimes,” he said.

He also appealed to residents of the state to maintain vigil and proactively report any illegal activity linked to narcotics to the police.

“With unified and collective effort, we can create a drug-free Himachal Pradesh,” the spokesperson said.

40 encouraged to undergo de-addiction treatment

For the first time in Himachal Pradesh, at least 40 individuals — addicts and those involved in small drug-related cases — were encouraged to undergo treatment for de-addiction and rehabilitation as per Section 64A of the NDPS Act in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

The spokesperson said the initiative aimed to distinguish addicts, who were seen as victims, from large-scale offenders under the NDPS Act. The goal was to assist in their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration into society, he said.

“These individuals will be closely monitored and regularly motivated to complete their treatment, serving as a model for other addicts to seek help,” he said.