Intensifying their state-wide crackdown on repeat drug traffickers, the Himachal Pradesh Police and Special Task Force (STF) on Wednesday arrested 11 notorious drug traffickers under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988.
During the operation, the police nabbed three traffickers from Nurpur district, two from Shimla and one each from Baddi, Kullu, Solan, Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur. Ashok Tewari, Director General of Police (DGP), said the action was part of the ongoing ‘Chitta-Free Himachal’ campaign launched by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on November 15, 2025. “So far, as many as 187 repeat drug traffickers have been arrested by the police under the act," he added.
Tewari said the police would continue to take strict legal action against drug traffickers, suppliers and criminal groups responsible for pushing young people towards drug addiction. The DGP said the police were also identifying illegally acquired assets, conducting financial investigations, freezing properties and utilising preventive laws such as the PITNDPS Act to dismantle criminal networks at their roots.
“The aim is not just to arrest drug traffickers, but to protect the youth from falling into the trap of drug addiction, thereby, creating a safer society and achieving the goal of a drug-free Himachal Pradesh,” added the DGP.
Tewari urged residents to immediately report any information related to drug trafficking, sale, storage or consumption of chitta or any other drugs by dialing 112, or by contacting the nearest police station. He assured that the identity of the informer would be kept confidential and prompt action would be ensured. He further appealed to the youth, educational institutions, parents, panchayat representatives and social organisations to actively extend support to the ongoing ‘Chitta-Free Himachal’ campaign.
