Located approximately 19 kilometers from the district headquarters, the tranquil village of Har Raipur has been thrust into the spotlight as a burgeoning center for illicit drug sales. The once-peaceful community now faces a severe crisis as drug trafficking becomes rampant, undermining the social fabric and safety of its residents.
Local reports reveal that drug dealers operate openly within the village, creating an environment of fear and intimidation. Residents who dare to oppose the illegal trade are met with threats and coercion, effectively silencing dissent and perpetuating the cycle of addiction and crime. Despite multiple police interventions, the drug menace remains deeply entrenched.
A notable incident unfolded when a police squad led by the Station House Officer (SHO) conducted a raid on a suspected drug den in Har Raipur. The operation quickly escalated as the drug syndicate retaliated violently, forcing officers to fire their weapons to regain control of the situation. This confrontation highlights the dangerous lengths to which the drug mafia will go to protect their operations.
An anonymous villager shared concerns with The Tribune, stating, “The issue of drugs is alarming in the village. It’s easily available and many youths in the village are addicts.” The pervasive availability of drugs has not only fueled addiction but also led to a spike in related crimes. Theft has surged as addicts resort to stealing copper wires, motor parts, and other valuables to sustain their habits.
The community’s apprehension extends to law enforcement efforts. Villagers report that individuals arrested for drug offenses often target those who report them, branding whistleblowers as enemies once they secure bail. In response, Angrej Singh, the Sarpanch of Har Raipur, announced, “Police patrolling has been intensified in the village and residents have been told not to support anyone in getting bail in drug cases.”
The plight of Har Raipur mirrors the situation in Bir Talab Basti, another locality notorious for drug and illicit liquor sales. A young resident of Bir Talab revealed that the area attracts numerous buyers daily from surrounding regions seeking contraband substances.
District authorities have identified 28 hotspots for drug-related activities, encompassing both urban and rural areas. Urban hotspots include Santpura Road, Grain Market, Sukhpeer Road, Udham Singh Nagar, Janta Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, and Dhobiana Basti. Rural hotspots extend to Harraipur, Jeeda, Bhagibandar, Singo, Raman Mandi, and several other villages and colonies.
SSP Amneet Kondal emphasized the relentless efforts of the police force, stating, “The police have regularly conducted raids and search operations in the 28 identified drug hotspots. This year alone, we have carried out 52 cordon and search operations and registered 61 FIRs related to drug cases. To date, 138 individuals have been arrested.”
The crackdown has yielded significant seizures, including 595 grams of heroin, 2,070 habit-forming tablets, 16 kilograms of poppy husk, and Rs 1.37 lakh in drug-related funds. Overall, the district has seen 576 drug cases registered and 917 arrests, with recoveries totaling 7.6 kilograms of heroin, 147 vehicles, 19.9 kilograms of opium, 8,649 kilograms of poppy husk, 1.81 lakh capsules, 49 syrup bottles, 100 kilograms of ganja, and Rs 23.83 lakh in illicit money.
SSP Kondal concluded, “Strict instructions have been issued to all officials to eliminate the drug menace from the district. There is zero tolerance towards drug smugglers, and we are committed to restoring peace and safety to our communities.”
As Har Raipur and other affected areas continue to battle the pervasive influence of drugs, the resilience of the villagers and the unwavering commitment of the police remain crucial in the fight against this destructive epidemic.
