Already infamous for producing world-class marijuana, the hill state of Himachal Pradesh is now grappling with the problem of increased influx of synthetic drugs as heroin, cocaine MDMA commonly known as ecstasy and liquid lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).

But what is more concerning the cops is involvement of smugglers from Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru and especially from Delhi who are thronging Kullu and Mandi districts to procure marijuana or charas in exchange for synthetic drugs.

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“The barter system for drugs is increasing influx of synthetic drugs as drug smugglers particularly from Delhi are selling heroin for cannabis,” Kullu Superintendent of Police (SP) Shalini Agnihotri told The Statesman.

Sources said these mood changing or recreational synthetic drugs commonly used in rave parties in Kullu and Kangra districts, particularly in areas as Manali, Kasol and Mcleodganj.

But the seizure of these drugs in huge quantity and their easy availability in almost all the districts of the state in the last 1-2 years is pointing out towards this new trend.

Earlier, the trend was reported in bordering areas of Kangra district wherein smugglers used to trade charas for synthetic drugs in Punjab. But due to the efforts of Police that trend was contained to some extent, sources added. Kullu SP said they have launched an intensive campaign against drugs in the district to encourage people to abstain from cannabis farming to put an end to the menace.

“We have launched ‘Sehbhagita – Hamari aur Apki’ programme on community-police interface especially against drugs and its trade,” Agnihotri said.

The intensive drug eradication campaign had started showing results as the cannabis plantation on private land has almost been curtailed in the district.

“However, the drug smugglers have shifted to forest land on higher reaches in district and we are now seeking the co-operation of Forest department to curb the trend,” she said.

The police officials are also taking the help of Narcotics Control Bureau Chandigarh in tracking cannabis plantation in the district.

“The NCB is providing us with satellite imagery of cannabis plantation and it is helping us in checking the growth in the wild,” Agnihotri said.

The Kullu police is planning to reach every village and finally cover each and every family, particularly youth to engage them as stakeholders in drive against drugs and its trade.

The police officials have roped in various NGOs, mahila mandals, yuva mandal, rangers and rovers to start a social participation programme and isolate people who engage in drug related activities.

The police officials are also making efforts to help victims of drug abuse rejoin society and motivate locals to boycott people engaged in drug related activities.

“So far we have received 53 calls from locals against illicit liquor and drug trade and strict action has been taken against accused in these cases,” Agnihotri said, adding they had contacted locals in 33 panchayats of the district and they were informed about the ill effects of drug abuse.