Himachal Pradesh Drug Crisis: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Himachal Police seized 3.79 kg of heroin in the first three months of 2025. Shimla reported the highest number of chitta cases. Read the full report on Himachal’s rising drug menace.
Shimla: In a disturbing development, Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a sharp rise in the trafficking and consumption of heroin, locally known as chitta. Between January 1 and March 31, 2025, state police seized 3.79 kg of heroin — an alarming 27% increase compared to 2.72 kg confiscated during the same period last year.
According to data released by the Himachal Pradesh Police, a total of 597 cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, during the first quarter of 2025. Of these, 305 cases were directly related to heroin, pointing to the increasing popularity of this synthetic drug among addicts in the region.
Shimla Emerges as Hotspot for Chitta Cases
Shimla district led the chart with 51 chitta-related cases, followed by Mandi (42), Kangra (36), and Bilaspur (32). Other affected districts include Una and Sirmaur (23 cases each), Hamirpur and Kullu (19 each), Nurpur and Solan (17 each), Chamba and Baddi (11 each), and Dehra (4).
On a positive note, the tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti remained untouched by the heroin menace. In fact, Lahaul-Spiti has not reported a single chitta seizure in the past ten years, highlighting a stark contrast to the worsening situation elsewhere.
Seizure of Other Narcotics Also Rises
Apart from heroin, the police confiscated a significant quantity of other narcotics during the first quarter of 2025:
- 102.1 kg of charas (up from 74.64 kg in 2024)
- 3.79 kg of opium
- 46.98 kg of poppy husk
- 5,260 poppy plants
- 7.5 kg of ganja
- 2.07 gm of smack
In comparison, the same period in 2024 saw higher seizures of poppy plants (16,525) and ganja (11.06 kg), indicating a shift in the type of drugs being trafficked.
Police Tighten the Noose Around Drug Networks
Law enforcement agencies attribute the rise in chitta cases to cross-border trafficking from neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir. These drugs are often smuggled into Himachal in small quantities to avoid detection.
To curb this menace, security has been beefed up at all interstate borders. Police have also dismantled several interstate drug trafficking networks, leading to the arrest of multiple offenders.
Officials revealed that stringent action is now being taken against repeat offenders by invoking provisions of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, 1988.
A Call for Collective Action
The rise in heroin seizures and NDPS cases in Himachal Pradesh is not just a law enforcement issue—it’s a societal challenge that demands collective action. Authorities urge communities, parents, educators, and NGOs to work together in spreading awareness and helping youth stay away from drugs.
If this trend continues, the beautiful hill state may soon find its peace and serenity overshadowed by the dark cloud of substance abuse. But with intensified policing, cross-border cooperation, and public support, there is hope that the battle against drugs can still be won.
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