Illegal cannabis trade sparks concerns in Mandi, Kullu

The illegal cannabis trade continues to be a major issue in the Mandi and Kullu regions, posing a serious challenge to the law enforcement authorities and local community. Despite strict police vigilance and ongoing crackdowns, the illicit cultivation and trade of cannabis persist, particularly in remote and higher-altitude areas where police access is limited. The situation has raised concerns about its growing impact on the public, especially the youth.

In 2024, the Mandi police seized 48.69 kg of charas and destroyed nearly 9 lakh cannabis plants that were cultivated illegally. Similarly, in Kullu district, the police managed to seize 62.92 kg of charas from drug offenders. These figures highlight the extent of the problem, despite the efforts made by the authorities to curb the illegal trade. While the situation has improved in certain areas, the illicit cannabis trade continues to thrive due to the constant adaptation of drug offenders to law enforcement strategies.

In the past, drug offenders in Mandi and Kullu would cultivate cannabis on their private land, but over the years, due to the growing vigilance and strict measures of the police, they have shifted their operations. Now, they secretly grow cannabis on government land in higher and less accessible regions, where police presence is significantly lower. This shift has made it more difficult for the authorities to detect and stop the illegal cultivation of cannabis, increasing the challenge of eradicating the drug trade from the region.

Social activist Narender Saini has raised alarms about the dangerous implications of the illicit trade on the youth. "The cannabis trade is not only a threat to the law and order in the region but also to the health and future of our youth," he said. Saini stressed that while the police are doing everything in their power to arrest the drug offenders, it is essential that the local community steps up and supports law enforcement efforts to eradicate this menace.

Apart from cannabis, Saini pointed out that heroin, also known as "chitta", has been on the rise in recent years, exacerbating the drug problem. The drug offenders have been targeting the youth, exploiting them as an easy source of income, and ultimately, ruining their lives. He emphasised that the growing presence of heroin is just as concerning as the cannabis trade, and that both need to be tackled in unison.

The police have also tightened their grip on drug offenders in Mandi and Kullu. According to data from the Police Department, in 2024, 271 drug offenders were arrested in Mandi district for the possession of charas and other drugs, while 215 were arrested in Kullu. Despite these efforts, however, many drug offenders might have managed to evade authorities, often by shifting their operations to more remote areas or by using new tactics to avoid detection.

Mandi and Kullu's law enforcement agencies continue to work relentlessly to curb drug activities, but officials agree that a more comprehensive approach is needed. The involvement of the local community is significant in the fight against drug abuse. The authorities urge people to report suspicious activities, support rehabilitation efforts and promote awareness about the dangers of drugs.

As the battle against cannabis cultivation and other forms of drug abuse continues, it is clear that collaboration between law enforcement, social organisations and the community will be vital in eradicating this persistent threat from Mandi and Kullu. With concerted efforts, the region can hope to secure a drug-free future for its youth and ensure the well-being of society.