5,642 cases, over 8,250 arrests and Rs. 91.24 crore in property linked to NDPS Cases
The state government has intensified its campaign against chitta through a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking, stronger legal measures, financial investigations, public participation, youth awareness and expanded rehabilitation facilities. Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to dismantle drug networks, protect young people and help individuals affected by substance dependence rebuild their lives.
A major step in this campaign came in March 2025, when the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha passed two Bills aimed at strengthening the fight against narcotics and organised crime. The Himachal Pradesh Drugs and Controlled Substances (Prevention, De-addiction and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2025, focuses on drug prevention, stronger action against offenders, treatment and rehabilitation. The Himachal Pradesh Organised Crimes (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025, seeks to strengthen action against organised criminal networks, including those involved in drug trafficking. These legislative measures reflect the state’s focus on tackling both the supply of narcotics and the criminal networks operating behind the trade.
The government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy, emphasising that nobody involved in drug trafficking should be shielded because of political, financial or social influence. Over a three-year period, 5,642 narcotics-related cases were registered and more than 8,250 arrests were made. Action was also reported against 139 government employees, including the dismissal of 15 state government employees and 22 police personnel. Enforcement efforts focus on repeat offenders, organised supply chains, financial investigations and mapping suspected drug networks at the panchayat level.
Action under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act has also been strengthened to disrupt major trafficking networks. In December 2025, 46 major drug traffickers had been detained under the law and illegal assets worth Rs. 46 crore had been confiscated. The objective is to weaken the financial resources of trafficking networks and prevent their continued operation.
Financial investigations have emerged as an important component of the campaign. During the period from 2024 to 2026, properties valued at approximately Rs. 91.24 crore were frozen in 115 cases across various districts and police districts of the state. Police District Nurpur recorded 14 cases involving properties worth Rs. 22.28 crore, followed by Solan with 15 cases worth Rs. 17.86 crore, Shimla with 16 cases worth Rs. 12.61 crore, Una with 2 cases worth Rs. 10.98 crore, Sirmaur with 7 cases worth Rs. 8.84 crore, Kangra with 8 cases worth Rs. 6.24 crore, Mandi with 8 cases worth Rs. 3.62 crore, Police District Baddi with 21 cases worth Rs. 5.12 crore, Bilaspur with 19 cases worth Rs. 2.19 crore, Police District Dehra with 3 cases worth Rs. 89.65 lakh and Kullu with 2 cases worth Rs. 19.02 lakh. Year-wise, properties valued at Rs. 25.43 crore were frozen in 12 cases in 2024, Rs. 23.98 crore in 27 cases in 2025, and Rs. 41.42 crore in 76 cases in 2026. These efforts demonstrate the state government’s continued commitment to financial investigations and to identifying and freezing properties linked to cases under investigation.
To encourage public cooperation, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the Chitta Information Reward Scheme during an anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Dharamshala on 1st December, 2025. The scheme provides for cash rewards ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on the quantity involved, while rewards exceeding Rs. 5 lakh have been specified for information concerning major drug networks. Citizens can report information through emergency helpline 112, with confidentiality for informants emphasised. The government has also proposed an Anti-Chitta Volunteer Team to strengthen coordination between police and local communities.
Prevention remains central to the campaign. Through the Khelo Himachal-Chitta Mukt Himachal initiative, the state is encouraging young people to participate in sports and constructive activities. Awareness walkathons in Shimla, Dharamshala, Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur have also promoted public participation in the fight against drug abuse. The initiative aims to encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen awareness among young people and their families.
Alongside enforcement, the government is expanding treatment and rehabilitation services. Nav-Jeevan, the women’s de-addiction and rehabilitation centre at Mashobra, provides specialised care, including medical treatment, psychological counselling, accommodation and rehabilitation support. Another de-addiction and rehabilitation centre is planned at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, while a modern 100-bed de-addiction and rehabilitation centre at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district is being developed to expand treatment capacity.
The state government has also established a De-addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Board to strengthen preventive measures and support the reintegration of people affected by substance dependence. District-level de-addiction services aim to improve access to treatment, counselling and recovery support across Himachal Pradesh.
By combining stricter enforcement, financial investigations, public participation, sports-based prevention and rehabilitation, the state government is seeking to address both drug trafficking and the social consequences of addiction.
