Sniffer dogs to check drug trafficking in Shimla

Bhanu P Lohumi

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Shimla, August 3

Concerned over the increase in drugs consumption and trafficking particularly chitta, the Shimla police have stepped up its campaign against drug peddlers and pressed narcotics sniffer dogs into service at barriers.

The dogs, trained by the CID, can smell hidden drugs. The dogs can recognise 13 substances, including cocaine, cannabis and opioids, sources said.

Trained by CID

• The dogs, trained by the CID, can smell hidden drugs
• These can recognise 13 substances, including cocaine, cannabis and opioids
• The idea is to keep tabs on drug trafficking and catch drug peddlers

At present, heroin/chitta is being supplied in Himachal from Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab by private vehicles, trucks, heavy motor vehicles and Volvo buses.

Confirming that a dog has been involved to catch drug peddlers, SP, Shimla, Monika Bhutungru said the police had a dedicated dog, Sheru, to check vehicles for contrabands and, as of now, services of the dog are taken twice a week.

The idea was to keep tabs on drug trafficking and catch drug peddlers. The names and details of the offenders were recorded in a register so that they could be put under surveillance, she added.

The police have arrested 235 persons, 225 men and 10 women, in 156 NDPS cases from January 1 till July 20 this year and recovered 13.2 kg charas, 22.8 kg opium and 2.14 kg heroin/chitta.

The inference drawn from the NDPS cases registered in the district this year is that peddlers of 10 states and two countries were involved in smuggling. Chitta was recovered in 62 per cent of the total NDPS cases and about 77 per cent of the accused were in the age group of 19 -35 years.