District administration ramps up efforts to make Mandi drug-free

In a determined move to make Mandi a drug-free district, the local administration, in coordination with the police and allied agencies, is intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse. Chairing a district-level NCORD (Narcotics Coordination) Committee meeting yesterday, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan stated that sustained and stringent actions are being taken to dismantle the drug network in the region.

DC Devgan highlighted that Mandi Police have been instrumental in disrupting the drug supply chain. “Continuous enforcement measures are in place, and we are fully committed to eradicating the drug menace from the district,” he said.

Mandi Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma presented a detailed report on the progress made. She outlined several successful operations and arrests that have significantly weakened drug trafficking networks.

However, DC Devgan pointed out that administrative action alone is not sufficient. He stressed the need for public participation to effectively tackle drug abuse. Citizens were encouraged to report drug-related activities anonymously through the Narcotics Control Bureau’s ‘MANS’ (Drug Free India) app or by calling the helpline numbers 1908 and 1933. Authorities assured that informants’ identities will be kept confidential.

To strengthen preventive measures, the DC announced that regular awareness programs will be conducted in ITIs, colleges, and both government and private educational institutions. These camps aim to educate students, parents, and teachers on the harmful effects of drugs and encourage their active participation in prevention efforts.

He urged all educational and social institutions to view the campaign as a community-driven movement. “Only through collective awareness and public involvement can we protect our youth from the dangers of drug abuse,” he added.

The meeting was attended by representatives from police, excise, education, social justice and empowerment, panchayati raj, intelligence, narcotics departments, and NGOs, demonstrating a comprehensive and united approach in tackling the issue.

Himachal Tribune