Chitta smuggling in Himachal Pradesh has surged drastically, with data revealing a shocking 20-fold increase in the past seven years.
This spike in drug trafficking has led to a growing number of youth, including many from Shimla district, falling prey to substance abuse. Despite active measures by the police, a substantial network of drug suppliers from other states continues to operate, fuelling the epidemic.
According to police records, just 634.654 grams of chitta (heroin) were seized in Himachal Pradesh in 2016. By 2023, this figure had escalated to 14.705 kg, valued in crores on the international market.
Flowing in from Punjab, Haryana, others states
The majority of chitta smuggling in Himachal Pradesh is suspected to originate from Punjab, with other states such as Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh also being the source. The arrests of smugglers from these regions highlight the widespread reach of the chitta trade.
The police department has ramped up anti-drug campaigns and enforcement actions across both state and district levels. While these efforts have led to arrests of local smugglers and busted several interstate gangs, the masterminds behind this network remain elusive. The interstate nature of the trafficking routes has hampered complete dismantling of the network, keeping the pipeline of chitta smuggling in Himachal Pradesh flowing.
Persistent challenges in curbing smuggling network
Efforts by the Shimla police in particular have been noteworthy. As of August 31, 2024, over 6.39 kg of chitta has been seized across Himachal, with Shimla district alone accounting for more than 3 kg. This district leads in arrests and seizures, with 515 individuals — including 19 women —apprehended in 226 cases this year.
A senior police official highlighted the proactive efforts to involve the community in curbing the drug network. “Shimla police are actively engaging with citizens to eliminate the supply chain of drugs,” he said. He said interstate and international connections remain the biggest challenges, perpetuating the scourge of chitta across Himachal Pradesh.
Devastating impact on youth
As the police continue their fight against this drug crisis, the impact on youth is devastating, with overdose cases escalating. Police and social organisations are increasingly collaborating to spread awareness and offer support for those affected. However, authorities acknowledge that without neutralising the supply from neighbouring states, Himachal’s chitta problem will persist.
