Himachal Police crack down on illicit drug trade, offer rehab programme to addicts

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 17 : Himachal Pradesh Police launched an unprecedented operation across multiple districts of the state to tackle the illegal drug trade head-on, dismantle larger trafficking networks, identify key operations, trace assets linked to the operators and help people suffering from drug addiction.
A total of 42 teams executed 42 raids across the districts of Kangra, Nurpur, Chamba, Una, and Bilaspur on September 15.
The statement by the officials said, "This unprecedented action, executed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, involved 42 teams, each operating simultaneously at 42 locations. The teams, comprising Investigation Officers and other personnel, were led by IG, NR, with strategic support from a special team stationed at Police Headquarters."
Out of the 42 raids performed by the different teams, 8 were performed in Kangra, 10 in Nupur, 6 in Una, and 11 in Bilaspur.
Across the multiple operations, the police apprehended 8 people, filed four cases under the NDPS Act, seized 5 kg of poppy husk and 25 grams of chitta (heroin) and three vehicles were impounded allegedly linked to the narcotics trade, said the officials.
Additionally, according to the police, four liquor cases were registered under the Excise Act, which also led to the confiscation of 57 litres of illicit liquor.
The statement also said that one suspect's residence was allegedly built on encroached government land.
"One suspect's residence was discovered to be built on encroached government land, prompting formal communication to the local authorities for further action. A dedicated team is now scrutinising digital devices and other materials seized during the raids to establish both forward and backward linkages, as well as uncover properties owned by the main figures in the illegal trade," officials added.
Moreover, the statement mentioned that around 40 individuals, allegedly involved in small NDPS cases and suffering from addiction were encouraged to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, in exchange for immunity from prosecution, a first in the state's history.
"This initiative aims to distinguish addicts, who are seen as victims, from large-scale offenders under the NDPS Act. The goal is to assist in their recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society. These individuals will be closely monitored and regularly motivated to complete their treatment, serving as a model for other addicts to seek help," the statement said.
The statement further called for citizens to assist in reporting any illicit activities linked to narcotics. "The Himachal Pradesh Police strongly calls upon citizens to maintain heightened awareness and proactively report any illicit activities linked to narcotics. With unified and collective effort, we can endeavour to create a drug-free Himachal Pradesh," the statement added.