War on drugs: Crackdown on chitta trade amid rising overdose deaths

The growing drug menace in Kangra has become a serious concern, with daily reports of arrests of drug suppliers and users. The police have stepped up their operations, leading to multiple arrests and the seizure of large quantities of contraband, particularly the infamous ‘chitta.’ Recently, the Dharamsala police apprehended ‘Langra,’ a key supplier, while he was collecting payment.

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Dehra SP Mayank Chaudhary emphasised the importance of community awareness and participation in tackling the crisis. He said drug abuse was a societal issue that requires collective efforts from both citizens and law enforcement. Engaging panchayat representatives, self-help groups, youth and mahila mandals in anti-drug campaigns can significantly help in curbing this menace. He also highlighted the effectiveness of NCORD meetings, initiated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, in addressing the problem by uniting agencies involved in supply control, demand reduction and harm mitigation.

The situation has become increasingly alarming, with reports of overdose deaths surfacing. LN Aggarwal, president of INTACH Kangra Chapter, described the crisis as a major challenge, particularly in protecting youth from addiction. Two days ago, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur also expressed deep concern over the worsening drug problem. In a tragic incident, a boy from Thakurdwara, near Indora, collapsed due to an overdose and was later found dead in a nearby forest.

According to Kangra ASP Vir Bahadur Singh, most drug peddlers in the district belong to a particular community with ties in Punjab. They maintain connections in Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar—regions considered the epicentre of the drug trade. He noted that spurious drugs enter the country through the international border. Shockingly, a 70-year-old woman was caught selling chitta in Palampur.

The high profitability of the drug trade has attracted even well-off individuals, further worsening the crisis. Recent investigations have revealed the involvement of policemen, government officials, and even an MBBS doctor from Moga, Punjab, now residing in Baijnath. This growing nexus between influential individuals and drug traffickers poses a serious challenge to law enforcement and society at large.

Authorities continue to intensify their crackdown, but experts stress that community cooperation is crucial in eliminating this menace from Kangra.