Himachal Pradesh News
Mandi Intensifies Anti-Drug Crackdown Near Schools, 116 Arrested in 3 Months Under NDPS Act
In a decisive move to curb the growing menace of drug abuse, authorities in Mandi district have intensified their crackdown, placing special focus on areas surrounding schools and colleges. The initiative comes at a crucial time as the new academic session begins, raising concerns about the vulnerability of young students.
The directives were issued during a meeting of the District-Level Narco Coordination Committee (NCORD), chaired by Additional District Magistrate Dr. Madan Kumar. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach, Dr. Kumar instructed officials to maintain strict vigilance and ensure that any suspicious activity near educational institutions is reported without delay.
Authorities have also asked police and education department officials to closely monitor shops operating near schools and colleges. Any unusual sale or consumption of items—especially those that could potentially be misused—must be immediately flagged to the administration.
The urgency of the situation was highlighted by a recent alarming case in Hamirpur, where charas was allegedly mixed into toffees and sold. This incident has triggered heightened alertness across the region, with officials stressing the need for constant surveillance and real-time intelligence sharing.
Crackdown Data Reveals Alarming Trends
Additional Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Verma presented data indicating a sharp enforcement drive under the NDPS Act. Between January 1 and March 31, a total of 81 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 116 individuals, including 110 men and six women.
The cases involved multiple substances, including heroin, charas, opium husk, and banned pharmaceutical drugs. Authorities reported the seizure of significant quantities, including over 10 kilograms of charas in March alone, reflecting both the scale of the problem and the intensity of enforcement efforts.
Focus on Prevention and Student Awareness
With schools reopening, officials are shifting focus toward prevention. Special awareness programs are being planned to educate newly admitted students about the dangers of drug use. Authorities believe early education can play a critical role in reducing addiction risks.
Parents and teachers are also being urged to remain vigilant and identify early warning signs of substance abuse. These may include behavioral changes such as isolation, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, excessive sleeping, red eyes, and secretive activities.
Year-Long Awareness Campaign Planned
In a long-term strategy to tackle the issue, the district administration has announced a year-long anti-drug awareness campaign for the upcoming financial year. Each month will focus on a specific theme, with greater emphasis on prevention, counseling, and community participation rather than just treatment.
Officials believe that a combined effort involving authorities, educators, parents, and the community is essential to protect the youth from falling into the trap of drug addiction.
