Himachal Police Busts Interstate Chitta Smuggling Gang; Nine Arrested

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Himachal Pradesh Police has successfully busted an interstate drug smuggling gang involved in the trafficking of chitta (synthetic drugs) in the Rampur area. Nine members of the gang, including key operatives, have been arrested in connection with the case. The accused individuals hail from various parts of the Rampur and Nankhari regions in Shimla.

The arrested members of the gang include Adil Rathore, Gagan, Naveen Chauhan, Rajan Mehta, Mohit Agarwal, Ujjwal Pandit, Sanjeev Kumar, Kushal Chauhan, and Rajkumar. The operation was led by Sub Divisional Police Officer Rampur, Naresh Sharma, as part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in the region.

The bust was based on an investigation initiated after the police recovered 26.68 grams of chitta from Sohan Lal alias Sonu and Geeta Shresht, a husband-wife duo, on March 3. The two, residents of Mandi, were found in possession of the drugs. As part of the investigation, the police also seized several mobile phones and jewelry, estimated to be worth around Rs. 4.5 lakh, from the couple. Additionally, the police froze over Rs. 4.72 lakh deposited in their bank accounts.

Further scrutiny of the couple’s financial transactions revealed a staggering sum of approximately Rs. 88 lakh in dealings. The total value of the seized assets in this case has amounted to Rs. 9.22 lakh, and the police have identified 60 to 70 individuals involved in the illegal purchase and sale of chitta. A list of these suspects is now in the process of being compiled for further investigation.

As the investigation continues, the authorities are hopeful that these arrests will have a significant impact on dismantling the smuggling network operating in the region. The crackdown has sent a strong message to those involved in the drug trade, with authorities vowing to pursue the case until all the culprits are apprehended.

This recent operation serves as a reminder of the growing challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with the rising menace of drug trafficking. For the residents of Rampur, the news of these arrests brings a sense of relief, but it also sheds light on the darker undercurrents that threaten the peace and safety of their community. As the police continue their investigation, many hope that this will mark the beginning of the end for the widespread drug networks plaguing the region.