Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau.
Taking forward the Chief Minister’s vision of a “Drug-Free Uttarakhand”, Inspector General of Police, Kumaon Range, Riddhim Aggarwal has rolled out a comprehensive action plan to crack down on narcotics trafficking in the region. The blueprint emphasizes secrecy, accountability, and strict punitive measures to dismantle the growing drug network.
According to officials, a list of 215 habitual offenders, each with two or more criminal cases, has been prepared. Each suspect has been assigned to a sub-inspector or additional sub-inspector who will be directly responsible for monitoring their daily activities, livelihood, and financial sources. “The idea is to ensure that no drug trafficker breathes easy. Every movement of these offenders will be under strict surveillance,” IG Aggarwal said.
The initiative underlines confidentiality as the key element, with the list of suspects being shared only with the officers in charge of their respective areas. Any instance of re-engagement in drug trafficking will invite the harshest legal provisions, including the NDPS Act, PITNDPS Act, and the Gangsters Act. “There will be zero tolerance. Those found indulging in trafficking will face the severest action permissible under law,” Aggarwal added.
The IG has also introduced a stringent monitoring mechanism. Circle officers will review progress daily, while additional superintendents of police will conduct weekly evaluations. A joint review of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force and field officers will be undertaken fortnightly, and a detailed progress report will be submitted to the IG’s office by the 10th of every month.
Officials said the campaign aims not only at enforcing law and order but also at safeguarding society from the deepening grip of drugs, which have increasingly ensnared adolescents and youth. “This is not just about law enforcement,” Aggarwal remarked. “It is about securing the future of our younger generation and ensuring a healthier, safer Uttarakhand.”
