Chamba Deputy Commissioner Emphasizes Escalation in Anti-Drug Initiatives
In a decisive move to combat the rising menace of narcotics, Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal of Chamba district has underscored the urgent need to intensify anti-drug campaigns. Chairing a crucial meeting of the Narcotics Coordination Committee on Wednesday, Repaswal directed all relevant departments to bolster their efforts in preventing and controlling drug abuse, with a particular focus on educational institutions.
Zero-Tolerance Approach and Strategic Discussions
The meeting involved detailed deliberations with officials from various departments to formulate an effective strategy for enforcement against narcotic substances. Repaswal emphasized that the state government is implementing strict measures against drug abuse and mandated a zero-tolerance policy. He called for stringent actions to curb the spread of dangerous drugs like heroin, locally known as chitta, and other intoxicants across the district.
Police Statistics Highlight Significant Drug Seizures
Superintendent of Police Vijay Singh Saklani provided a comprehensive update on police actions, revealing that since 2025, authorities have registered 129 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. These cases led to the arrest of 207 individuals involved in drug-related activities.
Notably, the police have made substantial recoveries, including:
- 47 kilograms of charas
- 504 grams of heroin (chitta)
- 31 capsules of unspecified narcotics
- 111 grams of opium
- 18,875 poppy plants
- Rs 589,997 in cash linked to drug trafficking
Saklani affirmed that the Chamba police are continuing their relentless anti-drug campaign to dismantle networks and prevent further proliferation.
Excise and Taxation Department's Enforcement Efforts
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Excise and Taxation Department. Deputy Commissioner Nutan Mahajan reported that 147 excise vends are operational in Chamba, comprising 143 regular and four sub-vends. By the fourth quarter of the current financial year, the department had collected 4,271 samples and conducted 1,250 inspections, resulting in the seizure of 4,886 bottles of illicit liquor.
In coordination with the police, eight cases were detected during the year, with three currently under trial in court. Penalties totaling Rs 548,900 have been recovered, including Rs 32,000 collected in the fourth quarter. Additionally, 13 cases were registered under Section 43 of the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011, with fines amounting to Rs 6.05 lakh fully recovered, and one license was suspended due to violations.
Strengthening Inter-Departmental Coordination
The conclave concluded with directives to enhance inter-departmental coordination to effectively address drug-related issues in Chamba district. Officials were urged to work collaboratively, leveraging resources and intelligence to create a robust framework for prevention, control, and enforcement, ensuring a safer environment for the community.
