Solan: Notorious Drug Peddler Neeraj Sharma Jailed for Three Months Under Preventive Detention

Solan, May 11:
In a firm step toward intensifying its crackdown on drug trafficking, Solan police have taken a habitual offender, Neeraj Sharma, into preventive custody and sent him to jail for a period of three months.

The 38-year-old, originally from Malog Jhagali village in Shimla district and currently residing in Rawli village under Kandaghat sub-division, was taken into custody by the Kandaghat police team. Sharma has a history of drug-related offences, with four cases registered against him under the NDPS Act—three in Kandaghat and one in Baluganj, Shimla. Police had previously recovered over 1 kg of charas and 8 grams of chitta (heroin) in these cases.

Despite being released on bail, Sharma repeatedly returned to drug peddling, highlighting his status as a habitual offender and a threat to public safety, especially the youth. In response, district police have initiated the use of preventive detention measures against repeat offenders to prevent them from resuming illicit activities after being released on bail. So far, 13 such proposals have been submitted by the Solan police to the Himachal Pradesh government for approval.

As part of the district’s broader anti-drug initiative, Solan police have arrested 134 drug traffickers from outside the state and dismantled 56 inter-state drug networks. In a landmark move, assets worth over ₹5.5 crore, believed to have been acquired through drug trade, have also been seized for the first time.

Officials have reiterated their commitment to continue taking strong and sustained action against drug offenders, with the ultimate goal of freeing society from the grip of narcotics.