Kangra Police Seize 1490 KG of Tobacco Material in Raid Near Educational Institutions
Special raid on shops
Dharamshala, March 21, 2025 – In an ongoing effort to curb drug addiction and illegal activities near educational institutions, the Kangra Police conducted a special raid campaign on Thursday targeting shops located within 100 meters of schools and colleges. The action followed multiple public complaints about the sale of tobacco products, which are known to be a gateway to drug addiction. The raid led to the recovery of 1490 kilograms of tobacco material, including 12 sacks of Cool Lip and 46 sacks of Khaini, all seized under the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
The operation, which was part of a larger district-wide effort, resulted in immediate legal action. The police issued 115 challans under the COTPA Act and collected a fine of Rs 25,000 from shopkeepers. Additionally, six shopkeepers were booked in connection with the illegal sale of tobacco products. The police emphasized that these efforts are aimed at protecting the younger generation from falling victim to substance abuse and to break the illegal tobacco trade chain that often serves as an entry point to more harmful drugs.
Targeting Tobacco Products as a Gateway to Addiction
Tobacco products, including Khaini and Cool Lip, have long been recognized as a primary step for many young people who later develop addictions to more dangerous substances. The police department has made it clear that tobacco consumption can have serious health consequences, both mentally and physically. Gradually, it can weaken an individual’s willpower and open the door to synthetic drugs, leading to a cycle of addiction that affects not only the individual but the community as a whole.
By targeting these substances, the Kangra Police aim to reduce the likelihood of addiction among children and teenagers. Educational institutions have long been considered vulnerable points for the spread of such substances, and the latest raid is part of a broader campaign to ensure that such harmful products are not easily accessible to the youth.
Legal Actions and Future Monitoring
As part of the operation, the authorities took swift action on the spot by issuing fines and filing cases against shopkeepers involved in the illegal sale of tobacco products. The police issued a warning to all vendors that if found guilty of selling such products in proximity to educational institutions in the future, they will face stringent legal actions.
The police have also urged shopkeepers to adhere to the law and refrain from stocking or selling any banned or illegal substances. It is part of the district’s broader strategy to make educational areas free from illegal drugs and substances, creating a safer environment for students.
Public Cooperation and Continued Efforts
In addition to law enforcement actions, the police have appealed to the public for their cooperation in identifying and reporting illegal drug trade activities. The authorities encourage residents to remain vigilant and promptly inform law enforcement if they witness any suspicious activities or the illegal sale of drugs. The public’s involvement in these efforts is critical for the success of the campaign, as the community can provide valuable tips that may lead to further crackdowns on illegal drug dealers and tobacco vendors.
The Kangra Police have assured that the special campaign will continue, with regular monitoring of areas near educational institutions to prevent the sale of drugs and tobacco products. Efforts to educate the public and raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction are also ongoing.
The recent raid is part of the broader initiative by the Himachal Pradesh Police to combat drug addiction and substance abuse, particularly among young people. With continuous action and public cooperation, the police aim to make Kangra a safer, healthier district where children and youth can thrive without the threat of addiction.
As the operation continues, the authorities remain committed to ensuring that illegal drug dealers face strict legal consequences, and that educational spaces remain free from the harmful influence of drugs.
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