SHIMLA: When it comes to narcotics, Punjab is synonymous with chitta or heroin, and Himachal Pradesh is identified with the comparatively innocuous charas like ‘Malana Cream’. But it seems chitta has started giving charas a run for its money in the hill state.The issue was discussed in the recently concluded monsoon session of Himachal Pradesh assembly with BJP’s Sarkaghat MLA, Inder Singh saying that in 2016 only 250g of heroin was seized in the state. In 2017, this number rose to 2.5kg while on July 31 this year, as much as 8kg chitta has already been seized.These numbers are small compared to Punjab seizure of 189kg heroin in 2017, but many of the legislators feel that if they don’t stop the flow of synthetic drugs quickly, the numbers can rise exponentially in a short while.Inder Singh said that with Punjab cracking down on the illegal trade, consumption of synthetic drugs has witnessed an increase of 32% in Himachal Pradesh. “Synthetic drugs are coming to the state from Punjab and there is need to conduct a survey to know the actual number of children who have become addicts,” he said.Congress MLA from Naina Devi , Ram Lal Thakur, on the other hand said in the house that if a child dies of drug overdose, the family conceals this fact and blame it on heart failure. He said there is need to break the drug cartel in the state.BJP’s Doon MLA Paramjit Singh Pammi said that his constituency in Solan is located just 100 meters from the border with Haryana and Punjab. It has been observed that supplier come from these states, he said. He added that recently a drug supplier was arrested in Baddi area and during interrogation he spilled names of 50 youth in the area who were purchasing chitta from him.“In all, a list of 75 youths was given and when police called them for questioning they were found to be in the age group of 18 to 25 years,” he said.Indora MLA of BJP, Reeta Devi said that in her constituency that borders Punjab, even 12-year-olds have ruined their lives with drugs. Many have even died, according to her. She said even minor girls are selling drugs and themselves consuming it.Shimla (Rural) MLA of the Congress, Vikramaditya Singh, said 27% youths in the state are addicted to drugs. “The problem is not confined to students or the youth but the responsibility lies with parents, families and the upbringing,” he added.“Of the total people arrested by police with drugs, one-third belong to other states. To fight the drug menace two-pronged strategy of attacking both demand and supply is needed. The state government is addressing both.”

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