Wed Dec 17 05:32:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, formatted for a general audience:
Himachal Pradesh Cracks Down on Drug Abuse, Seizes Millions in Assets
CHANDIGARH – December 17, 2025 – The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has announced a significant escalation in its fight against drug abuse, particularly heroin, locally known as “Chitta.” Speaking at an anti-drug awareness walkathon in Hamirpur, CM Sukhu stated that authorities have seized over ₹50 crore (approximately $6.25 million USD) worth of assets linked to drug trafficking since launching a comprehensive campaign on November 22nd.
This figure represents a nearly fourfold increase compared to the ₹13 crore seized during the previous BJP government’s three-year term.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the crackdown is targeting not just drug users, but also traffickers, suppliers, and those providing protection to the illicit networks. He highlighted the use of advanced technology, a strengthened intelligence framework, and stringent legal provisions to dismantle organized narcotics cartels.
Since the campaign’s launch, police have conducted simultaneous raids at 121 locations across the state, leading to multiple arrests under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Intensive checks were also carried out at 51 educational institutions and surrounding areas, resulting in further arrests and penalties. 63 traffickers have been arrested so far.
CM Sukhu framed the initiative as more than just a law enforcement operation, describing it as a “people’s mass movement” to safeguard the state’s identity and social fabric from the scourge of drug abuse. The government has declared a war against the ‘Chitta termite’, with a commitment to root it out using the full force of the law.