The Sirmaur district police in Himachal Pradesh have reported a dramatic escalation in their fight against narcotics, revealing a near-doubling of cases registered under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act within a single year.
Sharp Rise in Cases and Arrests
According to data released on Monday, the police registered cases against 191 individuals in 2025, a significant leap from the 103 cases filed in 2024. This represents a staggering 97% increase in NDPS Act cases. Superintendent of Police (SP) Sirmaur, Nishchint Singh Negi, provided these figures, highlighting the intensified crackdown.
The enforcement drive also led to a higher number of arrests. In 2025, the police arrested 281 accused linked to drug activities, compared to 160 arrests made in the previous year.
Major Haul of Heroin and Charas
The statistics show a concerning rise in the seizure of dangerous substances, particularly heroin, locally known as 'chitta'. The police recovered approximately 1.65 kilograms of heroin in 2025, a substantial increase from the 460 grams seized in 2024.
Similarly, confiscations of charas also saw an upward trend. The authorities seized 31 kilograms of charas in the latest year, up from 18 kilograms recovered in 2024.
Financial Crackdown and Public Awareness
Moving beyond arrests and seizures, the police have intensified financial investigations to cripple the economic backbone of drug networks. SP Negi informed that properties worth Rs 4.43 crore were attached or seized in the 2024-25 period in at least 12 different cases.
Negi emphasised that the primary goal is to arrest drug peddlers and systematically dismantle the entire supply-demand chain. He credited the state's proactive 'anti-chitta' campaign, launched under the chief minister's directive, for bolstering their efforts. As part of this campaign, police teams conducted extensive door-to-door awareness drives, reaching out to villages, homes, and schools to educate people, especially students, about the dangers of drug abuse.
The SP also underscored the critical role of community cooperation, stating that while the police are doing their part, public support is crucial for the complete eradication of the drug menace from society.
