Mandi's heroin havoc calls for urgent collective action
The increasing drug abuse issue in Mandi district has become a significant threat to public safety, health and the overall well-being of residents in the region. Despite the tireless efforts of local law enforcement, a disturbing trend of addiction, crime and deaths linked to drug abuse continues to escalate. Authorities and residents are now joining forces to fight the menace, but there is a growing concern that the worst might not have been uncovered yet.
According to official reports, a disturbing rise in heroin addiction has been recorded in Mandi district, with several cases of young people, and even parents, falling victim to the narcotic. One particularly shocking incident involved a drug addict who gave his parents a dose of heroin under the guise of medication, leading them to become addicts as well. Though this is the only reported case of its kind, the residents fear that many more similar incidents might have gone unnoticed and unreported.
The district has seen a regular stream of heroin-related offenses, with police frequently apprehending offenders in possession of small quantities of the drug. However, despite these arrests, the major heroin suppliers in the area have largely evaded capture. These suppliers are believed to be targeting the youth of the district with the help of small-scale drug peddlers, exploiting vulnerable individuals who are struggling with addiction.
The statistics for the years 2023 to 2025 (up to January 31, 2025) paint a bleak picture of the scope of the problem. A total of 490 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with 664 people arrested in connection with these offenses. Of the arrested individuals, 19 were women, and a significant quantity of contraband was seized, including 141.631 kg of cannabis, 5.406 kg of opium, 8.84 grams of smack, 63.074 kg of poppy husk, 14.5 lakh poppy plants. Additionally, authorities also recovered 10.05 lakh cannabis plants, 77 tablets, 2.6 kg heroin and 3.18 kg of opium doda. These alarming figures demonstrate the extent to which drug trafficking and abuse have taken root in the district, affecting hundreds of individuals and their families.
The impact of drug addiction on families in Mandi is especially devastating. In addition to the personal toll of addiction, many drug offenders resort to criminal activities, including theft, to fund their drug habits. The financial burden this places on families is crushing, with many falling into poverty and despair as a result. Moreover, suspected deaths due to drug overdoses have been reported, but neither the police nor district health authorities have specific data on the number of fatalities. This lack of accurate data underscores the magnitude of the issue and the need for immediate intervention.
In light of the growing crisis, local communities have taken matters into their own hands. Gram Panchayats (village councils) across Mandi district have stepped up, forming committees to monitor and prevent drug peddling in their areas. These committees have been actively keeping a watch on drug offenders and suppliers, helping the police in their efforts to combat the spread of narcotics. In an effort to deter drug trafficking, several videos went viral on social media in which local residents were seen chasing and confronting drug peddlers, sending a strong message to these criminals.
Mandi Superintendent of Police (SP) Sakshi Verma acknowledged the serious threat that drugs pose to the district and emphasised the importance of public cooperation in the fight against this growing menace. “Drug abuse is not just an issue for the police to handle; it’s a societal issue. The youth are particularly vulnerable and it’s critical for the entire community to come together and address this crisis. While the police are working tirelessly to curb the problem, we need the support of every citizen to truly eradicate it from our society,” said Verma.
The district’s rising heroin abuse problem has not only captured local attention but also sparked a larger conversation about the state’s drug abuse crisis. As more communities and authorities unite to combat this ever-growing issue, it remains clear that tackling drug abuse in Mandi will require sustained efforts, vigilance, and, most importantly, the collective strength of the people. Only then can the region hope to put an end to the drug peddling, addiction, and criminal activities that continue to plague its residents.
