The Himachal Pradesh government has announced that the anti-chitta (drug screening) test will become mandatory for all future government appointments as part of its intensified drive against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
This was announced by Acting Chief Secretary KK Pant while addressing the state-level observance of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which was observed across Himachal Pradesh as ‘Anti-Chitta Day’ on Friday.
On the occasion, the state government and Himachal Pradesh Police carried out one of their largest coordinated anti-narcotics operations, scientifically destroying narcotics seized under the NDPS Act at 10 locations across the state. The value of destroyed smuggled goods on the international market is estimated at $13.28 Crores.
Speaking at the event, Pant stressed that the state government is committed to eliminating the menace of ‘chita’ (heroin) through a comprehensive strategy.
“The anti-chitta test will be made mandatory for all future government appointments in Himachal Pradesh. The government is working at every level to eradicate the drug menace and the performance of deputy commissioners in all districts will also be evaluated on the effectiveness of anti-drug measures,” Pant said.
He further stated that law enforcement agencies not only intercept large drug shipments, but also conduct financial investigations to identify and prosecute gang leaders operating behind trafficking networks.
Acting Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Tiwari, said that the state police continue to intensify action against drug dealers across Himachal Pradesh.
Referring to the recent incident involving Nihangs in the neighboring state of Uttarakhand, Tiwari said the border between Himachal and Uttarakhand remains completely peaceful.
“Himachal Police is continuously coordinating with Uttarakhand Police, and the situation along the inter-state border is being closely monitored,” he added.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Gyaneshwar Singh said the drug trafficking issue also figured prominently during the NCORD (Counter Narcotics Coordination Centre) meeting held in New Delhi.
He said intelligence indicated that the ‘chitta’ was primarily entering Himachal Pradesh via Punjab, and the state police were working in close coordination with central agencies and other law enforcement organizations to curb inter-state trafficking.
“After the formation of the Inter-State Narcotics Secretariat, law enforcement has become more effective. The police are reaching out not only to the gang leaders but also to the drug consumers as part of a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the drug network,” Singh said.
Himachal Pradesh Police has also appealed to the public to report any information regarding trafficking, sale, storage or consumption of heroin or other narcotic substances by calling 112 or reporting to the nearest police station.
The police assured citizens that the identity of informants will remain strictly confidential, and that every reliable report will be acted upon immediately. (that I)
