Continuing its state-wide 'anti-chitta' campaign, the Himachal Pradesh police, along with the Special Task Force (STF), conducted extensive raids and search operations on Saturday across 170 educational institutions and paying guest (PG) accommodations.
Raids Yield Arrests and Seizures
During the operation, police arrested five individuals and seized 2.17 grams of heroin (chitta) along with 6.75 litres of illicit liquor. Additionally, four cases were registered, including two under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), one under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and one under the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011.
Authorities also issued 116 challans under COTPA and approximately 20 challans under the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995.
DGP Appeals for Public Cooperation
Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari stated that the operation was part of the ongoing second phase of the 'chitta-free' Himachal campaign, initiated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He emphasized that the state police have been continuously implementing stringent measures against drug trafficking and abuse across the state.
The DGP noted that the operation specifically targeted identifying, verifying, and taking action against drug abuse among foreign nationals and students residing near educational institutions and PG accommodations.
Tewari appealed to residents to promptly alert the police about any drug-related activities, including sale, storage, or consumption, by dialing 112 or contacting the nearest police station. He also urged the youth to support law enforcement by sharing information about heroin and other narcotic substances, assuring that the identity of informants would remain strictly confidential.
Commitment to Eradicate Drug Menace
The DGP reaffirmed the state police's commitment to eradicating the drug menace from Himachal Pradesh, vowing to intensify actions with active public support, especially from the youth.
