Biggest drug crackdown in Himachal
TNR News Network
Una/Kangra
The Special Task Force (STF) of Himachal Pradesh Police has intensified its campaign under the state-wide Anti-Chitta Movement launched by the Chief Minister on November 15, 2025, with the goal of achieving a “Drug-Free Himachal.” Coordinated checkposts and checking operations were conducted in Una and Kangra districts.
On May 3, 2026, STF teams set up a checkpoint near Santoshgarh in District Una. During routine inspection, car number HP 20 J 6570 was stopped and searched, leading to the recovery of 1.005 kilograms of heroin (chitta) from three individuals. The accused were immediately arrested, and a case was registered under the NDPS Act at Una Police Station. The seized heroin is valued at approximately ₹2 crore in the international market.
On May 2, 2026, another STF team intercepted motorcycle number HP 37 D 8233 near Baijnath in District Kangra. A search revealed 1.792 kilograms of charas in possession of two individuals. Both were taken into custody, and a case was registered under the NDPS Act at Baijnath Police Station.
These operations were conducted under the leadership of Renu Sharma, Additional Superintendent of Police (SP), Special Task Force, North Range, Kangra. Sharma, who joined as Additional SP four months ago, oversees three districts—Kangra, Chamba, and Una. Known as a dynamic officer, she previously cracked major narcotics cases during her tenure as DSP in Dehra (2014–2017), including a 7.5 kg charas seizure. In December 2022, while serving in the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, she exposed a massive paper leak scam involving examination papers.
Police officials emphasized that the objective of these operations is not only to curb drug trafficking but also to protect youth from the harmful effects of narcotics and to promote public awareness. Citizens, especially the youth, have been urged to report any information related to drug activities to 112 or the nearest police station. Authorities assured that informants’ identities will remain strictly confidential.
With strong leadership from the Chief Minister and active participation of the youth, Himachal Pradesh Police reaffirmed its determination to eradicate chitta from the state.
