With an aim to rope in the youth of the state for the evolving strategies to eradicate drugs and narcotics from Himachal Pradesh, the state Police Department kick-started a campaign “Pradav” on Saturday.

This collaboration of youth of the state and police in the fight against drugs was initiated after a brainstorm at the Police Headquarters here. Minister for Education Rohit Thakur was the chief guest on the occasion.

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An official of the Police Department said that this campaign mainly focuses on finding efficient and modern solutions to the growing menace of drug trafficking, drug abuse as an increased number of youngsters getting addicted to drugs especially synthetic drugs like heroin, Chitta.

Students from major colleges and universities of the state including IIT Mandi, IIM Sirmaur, Shoolini University, Chitkara University, National Law University, Govt. Degree College, Sanjauli, RKMV College, Kotshera College, St. Bede’s College, HPU Department of Sociology, Psychology and Law have been roped in at the event.

“Consequent to this event, a district level and range level event is planned for May 10 and May 24 respectively,” he said, adding that the grand finale of the event is scheduled for June 26 at Shimla on the occasion of ‘International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

It is expected that this state-wide event will help police and the youth to identify ground-level problems within the college/ university premises, especially in a society in general, said the spokesperson.

Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu informed that over the last five years, the NDPS cases involving Chitta and Heroin have witnessed a rise in the bordering districts of the state.

 “Other than males, a new trend of involvement of females in NDPS cases has witnessed a rise which is unfortunate,” he said.

The figures released by the police reveal that 1010 NDPS cases have been on the rise in the last 6 years. 1010 cases were registered in 2017, 1341 in 2018, 1439 in 2019, 1538 in 2020, 1537 in 2021, and 1517 in 2022 in the state.