A national of Nepal has been apprehended in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh with approximately 50 grams of heroin, commonly referred to as ‘chitta’. The arrest was made by a police team during routine patrolling in the Hatkoti area.
The Chenab Times has learned that the accused has been identified as Sanju Rahi, also known as Madhav, aged 29, who hails from Nepal. He was intercepted by a district police team near Galu village, where the contraband was discovered in his possession.
According to official police statements, the patrolling team noticed the individual behaving suspiciously and consequently stopped him for a search. The recovery of the narcotics led to his immediate arrest.
Confirming the development, the Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Shimla, Gaurav Singh, stated that a case has been registered against the accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The police are currently conducting further investigations into the matter to ascertain the source of the drugs and potential links to any wider network.
The SSP also indicated that the arrested individual is a repeat offender, with two previous cases registered against him under the NDPS Act. These prior incidents provide context to the current apprehension and suggest a pattern of involvement in drug-related activities.
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that Madhav was first arrested in 2020. At that time, he was found in possession of 6.5 grams of heroin in Jubbal, another area within the Shimla district. This initial encounter with law enforcement marked the beginning of his documented involvement with narcotic substances.
His subsequent arrest occurred in 2025, according to police records. In this instance, a police team seized approximately 70 bottles of cough syrup from him in Rohru. The seized syrup was found to contain codeine phosphate and triprolidine HCL, substances that are often misused for their psychoactive properties and can be diverted for illicit purposes.
The recovery of heroin in Hatkoti underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating drug trafficking and consumption in the region. The arrest of a foreign national further highlights the transnational nature of such criminal activities.
The NDPS Act, 1985, is the primary legislation in India that deals with drug trafficking and the possession of illegal substances. It prescribes stringent penalties for offenders, depending on the quantity and type of drug involved. The Act aims to curb the menace of drug abuse and control the production, possession, sale, and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The ongoing investigation will likely focus on establishing the supply chain and identifying any accomplices involved. The police are expected to gather further evidence, including digital footprints and financial transactions, to build a comprehensive case against the accused.
The Shimla police have intensified their efforts to curb the drug trade, conducting regular patrols and setting up checkpoints in vulnerable areas. The recent arrest is part of these broader efforts to maintain law and order and protect citizens from the harmful effects of drug abuse. The investigation is expected to continue, with authorities committed to uncovering all aspects of the drug racket.
The Chenab Times News Desk
