Shimla, June 6
In a major crackdown on illegal narcotics cultivation, Shimla Police have recovered 163 opium plants from an apple orchard in Chopal subdivision and registered a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act against the landholder.
The recovery was made on June 5 as part of a special campaign launched by the district police against drug trafficking and the illegal cultivation of opium and cannabis.
According to police, a team from Police Station Chaupal received specific information that Lachham Singh, son of Surat Singh and a resident of Kyari (Thapal) village in Chopal tehsil, was cultivating opium illegally in his apple orchard. Acting on the tip-off, the police conducted a search of the orchard in the presence of revenue officials and independent witnesses.
During the inspection, the team discovered 163 opium plants growing among apple trees and garlic crops. Following prescribed legal procedures, 15 plants were uprooted and seized as samples, while the remaining 148 plants were destroyed on the spot.
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the accused had been cultivating the opium crop on land under his possession. Consequently, FIR No. 31/2026 dated June 5 has been registered at Police Station Chopal under Section 18 of the NDPS Act.
The process of demarcating the orchard is underway and further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, police added.
Shimla Superintendent of Police, , said the district police were committed to eliminating the menace of narcotics from the region.
“Shimla Police have intensified their campaign against drug trafficking and illegal cultivation of narcotic crops. We appeal to the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share information about such activities. Strict action will be taken against those involved in the narcotics trade,” he said.
Further investigation into the case is in progress.
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