Shimla: The district administration has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and illegal cannabis cultivation, with 263 cases registered under the NDPS Act and 526 accused arrested so far this year, officials said at a District-Level Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD) meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap.
The scale of enforcement was highlighted by the fact that 54 bighas of cannabis cultivation were destroyed in just one month. In September alone, 35 NDPS cases were registered and 45 accused were arrested.
Authorities said property worth ₹12.52 crore belonging to 68 accused has been seized under the NDPS Act this year. The district has also recorded the seizure of 9 kg 986 grams of chitta so far.
The administration has identified 15 panchayats as drug-sensitive areas. Officials will compile detailed NDPS-related data from these panchayats for 2023, 2024 and 2025 to identify emerging patterns, causes and vulnerable areas and prepare an analytical report for targeted intervention.
Crackdown Must Go Beyond Arrests
Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap directed departments to identify drug-trafficking sources, vulnerable locations and hotspots and strengthen surveillance and coordinated enforcement.
However, he stressed that action against the drug trade cannot stop at arrests and awareness programmes. According to Kashyap, equal emphasis must be placed on preventing addiction, providing treatment and counselling, and helping affected youth return to mainstream society.
He called for coordinated efforts involving the administration, police, health and education departments, social organisations and the public, with measurable outcomes rather than programmes being conducted merely as formal exercises.
Police Told to Intensify Surveillance
SSP Gaurav Singh said enforcement against drug abuse and trafficking has been strengthened across the district. He also highlighted increased cooperation from the Revenue Department in police investigations and the intensified campaign against illegal cannabis cultivation.
The SSP directed officials to take coordinated action in cases involving properties and encroachments linked to people allegedly involved in the drug trade.
He further ordered regular inspections of de-addiction centres, directing police officers to inspect such centres at least twice a month.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Pankaj Sharma, Additional District Magistrate (Protocol) Gyan Sagar Negi, Additional Superintendent of Police Amit Thakur, SDM Urban Sunny Sharma and officers from concerned departments.
Key Figures
- 54 bighas of cannabis cultivation destroyed in one month
- 263 NDPS cases registered this year
- 526 accused arrested this year
- 35 NDPS cases registered in September
- 45 accused arrested in September
- ₹12.52 crore worth of assets seized from 68 accused
- 9.986 kg chitta seized this year
- 15 panchayats identified as drug-sensitive areas
