Synthetic drugs plague Himachal Pradesh as Rehab centers face accusations
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Sept 20,
The alarming rise in synthetic drug peddling in Himachal Pradesh has brought the spotlight back on the state’s battle against organized drug cartels. With police intensifying their efforts, 356 individuals have been arrested so far this year, including 86 from outside the state, mainly from Punjab, and 20 from Nepal. Shimla Police, led by district police chief Sanjeev Gandhi, have been actively targeting international and interstate gangs involved in drug trafficking. A total of 180 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with a significant number involving the peddling of ‘chitta,’ a potent synthetic drug.
In a recent operation, a joint team of PS Kotkhai and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) arrested Mudasir Ahmed Mochi, who was found with 470 grams of chitta near Khadapather. His arrest has shed light on his links to Shahi Mahatma, a notorious kingpin operating an interstate drug racket in the Rohru region. Five FIRs have been registered against nine members of Mahatma’s network, highlighting the organized nature of the drug trade.
While law enforcement agencies are actively tackling drug peddling, de-addiction centers, meant to rehabilitate drug abuse victims, have come under criticism for becoming new supply hubs for synthetic drugs. Numerous complaints have surfaced alleging that some de-addiction centers are involved in the distribution of branded NDPS drugs. Victims and their families have also raised concerns about the inhumane treatment of inmates in these facilities.
Reports suggest that unprofessional staff at several de-addiction centers are subjecting victims of drug abuse to torture, forced labor, and psychological trauma.
A complaint lodged with the administration revealed that an adult male, referred for alcohol de-addiction, was subjected to severe mistreatment, including being forced to take psychotropic drugs. Upon complaining to their families or the authorities, these victims are often met with further torment.
Such allegations have prompted demands for stronger oversight and regulation of de-addiction centers in the state. Activists and concerned citizens are calling for the mandatory appointment of trained clinical psychologists or counselors in these facilities.
Furthermore, the installation of 24/7 CCTV cameras is being recommended to monitor the activities within these centers and ensure the safety and dignity of inmates.
The Himachal Pradesh administration is now being urged to take immediate action to prevent de-addiction centers from turning into torture chambers for vulnerable individuals. With synthetic drug abuse on the rise, a more vigilant approach is needed to ensure these centers offer genuine rehabilitation, free from exploitation and abuse.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
These centres being run in the name of rehabs are the main points of addicted ones. The organisers themselves are addicted to drugs and drinking. Why the government has authorised them to do so. Recently my own brother who was sent by us to a centre called Care & Concern located in village Majhar, on Mehli Junga Road, had to be taken out only because of their I’ll treatment. Many times he was beaten by the staff, abused and mis treated. The owners, never allowed us to visit him and see him. One day we had to presessurise them that we must see Amit. Only then we were allowed but never without being accompanied by their bouncers. So he could not speak anything wrong about them as he was under the threat ee.