Shimla Intensifies Anti-Drug Drive, Focuses on Rehabilitation

Shimla, September 29: Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has called for stronger coordinated action against drug trafficking along with greater emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation of affected persons.

Chairing the district-level Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD) meeting, Kashyap reviewed drug trafficking, prevention measures, monitoring of vulnerable areas and inter-departmental coordination. He directed officials to identify drug hotspots and strengthen surveillance.

Officials informed that cannabis cultivation spread over 54 bighas was destroyed in the district during the past month. This year, 263 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 526 accused. In September, 35 cases were registered and 45 persons arrested. Property worth Rs 12.52 crore belonging to 68 accused has been seized, while 9.986 kg of chitta has been recovered this year.

Fifteen panchayats have been identified as drug-sensitive areas, with data from NDPS cases of 2023–25 to be analysed for targeted prevention measures.

Kashyap stressed that anti-drug efforts should go beyond awareness programmes and focus on bringing affected youth back into the mainstream. SSP Gaurav Singh directed regular inspections of de-addiction centres, with police officers asked to conduct at least two inspections every month.