Shimla Police Bust Two Major Inter-State Drug Networks
Shimla Police have dismantled two major drug networks, arresting key suppliers from Chandigarh and Mohali in a massive crackdown on narcotics.
In a massive blow to the narcotics trade, the Shimla Police have successfully dismantled two major inter-state drug trafficking networks. The crackdown led to the arrest of key suppliers operating from Chandigarh and Mohali, marking a significant victory in the department's intensified fight against illegal substances.
Additional SP (Shimla City) Mehar Panwar revealed on Monday that the police have shifted their operational strategy. Instead of merely arresting local users, the force is now focusing on "backward linkages"—tracing the supply chain to identify and apprehend the high-level distributors operating from outside Himachal Pradesh.
The Chandigarh Connection: WhatsApp Chats Lead to Arrest
The first major breakthrough occurred following an incident at the Baluganj Police Station. On September 27, 2026, a 26-year-old man named Kshitij Verma, a resident of Kullu, was caught with approximately six grams of chitta (heroin).
While Verma was the immediate suspect, investigators dug deeper into his digital footprint. The investigation yielded critical results:
- Digital Evidence: Analysis of Verma's seized mobile phone uncovered WhatsApp chats detailing the purchase and sale of contraband.
- Technical Tracking: Call Detail Records (CDR) and IP-related data confirmed that Verma had met with his supplier in Mani Majra, Chandigarh.
- The Arrest: A special team was dispatched to Chandigarh, where they arrested the alleged supplier, Rahul, also known as Rohit, a resident of Mani Majra, on October 4, 2026.
Tracing the Mohali Link
A second successful operation stemmed from a separate seizure in the Bariara area on September 27. During routine checks, police recovered seven grams of chitta from a 30-year-old man named Amit, a resident of Chirgaon.
By following the trail of the narcotics, the Shimla Police identified a supply chain stretching into Punjab. The investigation revealed that the drugs were procured from a man named Virender in Balongi, Mohali. Further intelligence gathering led officers to Sandeep, the 41-year-old son of Virender, who resides in the Rohru area. A police team successfully tracked and arrested Sandeep in Balongi, Mohali, on September 30, 2026.
A Massive Surge in Inter-State Crackdowns
The new strategy of targeting the "source" rather than the "consumer" is yielding unprecedented results. According to Additional SP Panwar, the numbers show a dramatic escalation in police effectiveness compared to previous years:
Comparative Statistics of Network Dismantling:
| Year | Main Suppliers Arrested | Inter-State Networks Dismantled |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (So Far) | 80 | 61 |
| 2025 | 8 | 4 |
| 2024 | 14 | 3 |
"Shimla Police is now focusing on reaching the inter-state supply networks and ensuring the arrest of the main suppliers. This helps us dismantle these networks more effectively," Panwar stated.
The police department has vowed to maintain this momentum, promising to continue strengthening their efforts to trace supply chains and sever the links that allow inter-state narcotics networks to thrive in the region.
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