Shimla officials, teachers to lead drug awareness drive

Taking strong cognisance of the growing drug problem, Shimla Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap has directed officials, employees and teachers from all departments to actively participate in gram sabhas, with the first hour dedicated to detailed discussions on drug abuse and awareness about filing complaints against drug-related offenses.

Kashyap made these remarks while chairing a review meeting of the District-Level Narco Coordination Centre held on Tuesday. He highlighted that extensive action is being taken against drug trafficking in the district. “The police have registered 900 cases over the past three years, seizing 8 kg of heroin during this period. However, there is a need to strengthen information networks at the panchayat level to ensure timely reporting of those involved in the drug trade,” he added.

The DC urged citizens to promptly share information about drug traffickers with police or district authorities. Officials were also instructed to reinforce local networks to prevent gaps in information flow. He said proposals will be sent to the state government for budgetary provisions to organise workshops and training programmes under the Narco Coordination Centre.

Discussions during the meeting also covered awareness campaigns, illegal cannabis cultivation, developmental works in affected areas, use of testing kits and inspections of de-addiction centres. Kashyap noted that last year, the Excise Department registered 462 cases and seized 7,479 litres of English liquor, 116 litres of illicit liquor, 8,669 litres of beer and 108,319 litres of country liquor.

SSP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi emphasised the growing threat of narco-terror, stating, “Children are increasingly falling prey to drugs and committing crimes under its influence. Parents live in fear due to addiction. Society as a whole must unite to break the chain of narco-terror, with every section playing its part.”