Shimla, June 29:
Despite spells of rain, over 3,500 people took to Shimla’s historic Ridge on Sunday for the 12th HP Police Half Marathon, rallying with a single resolve — wipe out the drug menace from Himachal.
From homemakers to college students, professionals to pensioners, the turnout cut across age and background.
But it wasn’t just a symbolic run. The event sent out a serious warning to those fuelling the narco-network in the hills — including anyone in uniform.
> “Let this be clear — no officer, no policeman, however high or connected, will be spared if found linked to drugs. We’re going after everyone,” declared Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the closing ceremony.
The CM lauded HP Police for its sustained crackdown and announced that new, tech-driven initiatives will soon be rolled out for tougher enforcement, more rehab centres, and closer surveillance in schools and vulnerable areas.
He announced;
Mapping of drug-affected areas at the panchayat ward level.
Formation of a Special Task Force to tackle drug trafficking.
Recruitment of 500 new police personnel to strengthen enforcement.
Consideration to amend the Police Manual for greater accountability.
Continued action under the PIT-NDPS Act and HP Anti-Drugs Act, with a focus on both strict enforcement and victim rehabilitation.
Demolition of properties belonging to drug peddlers.
Release of a special anti-drug awareness song by 'Harmony of the Pines'.
HP Police Drug Crackdown So Far (Till June 2025):
As part of its continued campaign under DGP Ashok Tewari, IPS, the Himachal Pradesh Police has:
Registered 980 cases under NDPS Act & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
Arrested 1,565 people, including 1,500 men, 63 women and 2 foreign nationals
Seized:
170 kg Charas
17 kg Opium
200 kg Poppy Husk
3.78 lakh poppy plants
7 kg Heroin, 3 gm Smack, 15 kg Ganja
> “This fight is far from over,” said DGP Ashok Tewari, addressing the crowd.
“Our focus is strict enforcement, quality investigation and constant public outreach. We won’t let the drug network breathe easy.”
The Run That Spoke Volumes
Themed “नशे को मात, देंगे एक साथ”, the run had three categories:
Half Marathon (21.5 km)
Mini Marathon (10 km)
Dream Run (3 km)
From anti-drug placards to chants of “Nasha Mukt Himachal,” the Ridge reverberated with energy and defiance.
The event saw performances by 1st IRBn Bangarh (Una), who delivered power-packed Qawwali, Bhangra, and street theatre with anti-drug messages.
Winners walked away with ₹51,000 cash prizes each, with a total prize pool of over ₹5 lakh distributed.
The event was inaugurated by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who also visited the police’s anti-drug awareness exhibition.
A Call to Keep the Momentum Going
IGP Shri Bimal Gupta, Organising Secretary, extended gratitude to citizens, sponsors, and police teams.
“This isn’t just a run — it’s a resistance. And our pledge today is stronger than ever — Himachal will be drug-free.”
Not Just a Race — A Reckoning
The public energy was electrifying. The message from the top, uncompromising.
As the Ridge cleared and medals were handed out, one thing was clear — Himachal is not just running against drugs; it’s chasing them out, one step at a time, said Deepak Banchta, an apple farmer from Shaantha, Chopal, who won the medal for the Marathon
#DrugFreeHimachal #ZeroTolerance #RunAgainstDrugs #NoOneSpared #SayNoToDrugs
