In a significant escalation of its fight against drug abuse, the Himachal Pradesh Police on Friday carried out a special and intensive state-level enforcement drive aimed at strengthening the government’s “Chitta-Free Himachal” campaign. The operation was conducted on the clear directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu as part of the statewide Anti-Chitta movement that was formally launched on November 15, 2025. The coordinated action reflects the state government’s zero-tolerance approach towards drug trafficking and substance abuse, particularly the growing menace of chitta that has affected vulnerable sections of society, including the youth.
The statewide drive was executed simultaneously across all police ranges in Himachal Pradesh with a strong emphasis on intelligence-led policing and inter-district coordination. Police teams conducted extensive inspections and thorough searches at locations that have been identified as vulnerable to drug-related activities. These included deserted and semi-public places such as secluded hill slopes, forest patches, abandoned buildings, vacant rooms, old bus stands, parking areas, garage sheds, river banks and other isolated spots that are often misused for drug consumption or illegal transactions.
During the operation, police inspected a total of 254 deserted and semi-public locations across the state. In addition, 596 vehicles were checked as part of intensified naka and mobile patrols. The drive covered urban as well as remote rural areas, ensuring uniform enforcement and preventing offenders from exploiting geographical or administrative gaps. Senior police officers monitored the operation closely to ensure that legal procedures were followed and that the action remained focused, safe and effective.
The Southern Police Range witnessed intensive searches in districts including Solan, Kinnaur and Sirmaur, along with focused action in the industrial belt of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh, which has emerged as a sensitive zone due to population movement and industrial activity. In the Central Range, coordinated teams covered Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts, while the Northern Range saw special operations in Kangra, Nurpur, Dehra, Chamba and Una. This comprehensive geographical coverage underlined the seriousness of the campaign and the preparedness of the police machinery.
As part of the enforcement action, 301 persons found at isolated or suspicious locations were checked and counselled. In accordance with legal provisions, blood and urine samples of nine individuals were collected for further examination. The police registered nine criminal cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and other relevant sections of law. Individuals found at deserted locations were properly documented and, wherever required, handed over to their family members after due verification, reflecting a balanced approach that combines enforcement with social responsibility.
Officials said the state-level Anti-Chitta drive was carried out in a fully systematic and intelligence-based manner. Information gathered from previous operations, local inputs and surveillance data was used to identify hotspots and vulnerable locations. Strong coordination between districts and ranges ensured that the operation remained seamless and impactful, leaving little room for drug users or traffickers to evade law enforcement.
The broader objective of the “Chitta-Free Himachal” campaign goes beyond arrests and case registrations. The initiative aims to prevent young people from falling into the trap of chitta and other narcotic substances, while also dismantling group-based drug use patterns that often develop at secluded locations. By targeting these gathering points, the police seek to break the social networks that facilitate substance abuse and to send a strong deterrent message across the state.
Reiterating the appeal made by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh Police has once again urged citizens, particularly the youth, to actively participate in the fight against drugs. People have been encouraged to share any information related to chitta or other drug activities by dialling the emergency helpline number 112 or by contacting their nearest police station. The police have assured that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential to ensure their safety and cooperation.
Under the decisive leadership of the Chief Minister and with increasing public participation, the Himachal Pradesh Police has reaffirmed its firm commitment to eliminating chitta from the state. The intensified statewide drive marks another crucial step in building a safer, healthier and drug-free Himachal Pradesh, signalling that the campaign against narcotics will continue with sustained momentum in the days ahead.
