While famous as a serene tourist paradise, Himachal Pradesh is currently battling a devastating opioid epidemic. Long considered "collateral damage" of the drug routes into neighboring Punjab, Himachal now faces a per-capita rate of illegal opioid use nearly double the national average.
From Transit Point to Epidemic
What began as "narco-terrorism" spillover from across the border has evolved into a localized crisis. As Punjab intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, smuggling routes shifted into the rugged terrain of Himachal. Today, high-grade heroin (chitta) has replaced traditional substances, tearing through rural communities and youth populations alike.
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Key Drivers: Shifted smuggling routes, high unemployment, and easy accessibility.
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The Human Toll: A surge in addiction cases and a growing need for rehabilitation infrastructure.
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Law Enforcement: Police are doubling down on border security to choke supply chains.
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