In a major crackdown on unauthorised drug trafficking, the Health Department and district police in Himachal Pradesh apprehended a man and his son for illegally selling narcotics and unlicensed medicines in Salooni tehsil of Chamba district. The raid uncovered a significant stockpile of intoxicant medicines hidden in their home, cowshed, and unlicensed shop.

Key Highlights
Arrest and Seizure Details

• The accused, Ashik Mohammad and Zakir Hussain, were caught operating an unauthorised medical store.

• A total of 572 intoxicant capsules, 4 Tramadol injections, and 176 pregnancy termination kits were seized.

• 43 different types of allopathic medicines were recovered, estimated to be worth ₹1.88 lakh.

Location and Investigation Trigger

• The illegal stash was found during a raid in Dhutta village, Salooni tehsil.

• The investigation began after empty medicine wrappers were discovered near a school and college in Diur village.

Drug Types Recovered

• 305 capsules of Pregabalin

• 130 tablets of Tapentadol

• 128 tablets of Alprazolam

• 9 tablets of Etizolam

• 4 Tramadol injections

Supply Chain Scrutiny

• Notices were issued to pharmaceutical suppliers in Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, and Himachal in February.

• Ashik Mohammad and his father emerged as key purchasers in ongoing records analysis.

Statements from Leaders or Officials
Nishant Sareen, Assistant State Drug Controller, said:
 “This operation has revealed an organised illegal distribution network in the region. We are taking strong legal action and continuing investigations to identify others involved. The accused have been served a seven-day notice, and further raids will continue to dismantle such networks.”Authorities are ramping up vigilance across Chamba to track and eliminate unauthorised drug sales. More suspects are under investigation, and the Health Department has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing the illegal pharmaceutical trade in the region.