Himachal: Direct action against drug traffickers, district boundaries will no longer be an obstacle

January 16, 2026

To crack down on drug trafficking in Himachal Pradesh, the state police headquarters has taken a significant decision following instructions from the state government. Action against drug trafficking will no longer be limited to the district level, but will be coordinated and effectively implemented through the Shimla, Mandi, and Dharamshala police ranges. These three police ranges have been specifically authorized to ensure that there are no administrative hurdles in taking action against traffickers.

The government believes that the drug trafficking network in the state is not limited to a single district, but is spread across several districts and areas under different police ranges.

Previously, action was hampered by district boundaries. Now, with authority granted at the range level, this problem will be eliminated, and direct and swift action against traffickers will be possible. Under this system, the range-level Special Task Force (STF) has been given complete freedom to operate in all the districts under its jurisdiction.

The STF will be able to conduct raids, make arrests, and carry out investigations independently. This will not only improve the exchange of information but also help in dismantling large networks. The government and police headquarters believe that coordination at the range level will allow for a direct attack on organized drug trafficking gangs. It will also make it easier to reach those in positions of power and influence who are involved in or providing protection to the drug trade.

Under the state government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs, no one involved in drug trafficking will be spared. Action against drug trafficking will not be limited to the district level; direct action will be taken through the Shimla, Mandi, and Dharamshala police ranges.