Sirmaur declares war on narcotics

Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma chaired a meeting of the District-Level Anti-Drug Coordination Committee on Friday, stressing the need for stronger synergy among law enforcement and concerned departments to curb the growing menace of narcotics in the district.

During the meeting, it was revealed that the district police are working under a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics by implementing the NDPS Act at both district and sub-divisional levels. So far in 2025, a total of 113 cases have been registered under the Act, marking a sharp 77 per cent rise compared to last year.

Police officials said under the committee’s activities, awareness camps have been organised for farmers to discourage illegal cultivation of opium and cannabis. Continuous field inspections are being carried out by the concerned departments to check such practices, while naturally grown cannabis in several areas of the district has also been uprooted.

To strengthen preventive measures, the Education and Police Departments are jointly conducting awareness campaigns through competitions and events across the district. More than 3,000 students and 500 residents have already been sensitised about the ill effects of drug abuse.

The committee also highlighted that information regarding illegal narcotic activities can be reported to the police helpline number 1933, or shared anonymously on the NCB’s NCB Mans portal and the UMANG app. Authorities assured that the identity of informers will remain confidential.

Issuing further directions, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the Education Department to spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse during the Teachers’ Day gatherings on September 5. The Health Department was asked to conduct regular inspections of facilities at the Nayi Disha Centres operating in the district. Sub-divisional officers have also been directed to visit schools and encourage children to stay away from drugs.

Superintendent of Police Nishchint Singh Negi, Chief Medical Officer Amitabh Jain and officers from various departments attended the meeting.