Nepal Resident Arrested With 50 Grams of Heroin in Shimla's Hatkoti

A 29-year-old man from Nepal was taken into custody by local authorities after being found with approximately 50 grams of chitta, or heroin, near Hatkoti in the Shimla district. The arrest highlights ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in the region, a topic often discussed in local Nepal Shimla news reports. The accused has been identified by officials as Sanju Rahi, who also goes by the alias Madhav.

According to police reports, the arrest occurred while a district police team was conducting routine patrols near Galu village in Hatkoti. During the operation, officers observed an individual acting suspiciously and decided to stop him for a search. Upon inspecting his belongings, the police discovered the contraband, leading to his immediate detention.

A 29-year-old Nepal resident was arrested in Shimla with 50 grams of heroin following a police patrol.

Habitual Offender Identified

Shimla Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Singh confirmed the arrest and stated that a formal case has been registered against the suspect under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing as authorities seek to determine the source and intended destination of the seized narcotics.

SSP Gaurav Singh further noted that the accused is a habitual offender with a documented history of drug-related criminal activity. This latest incident marks his third encounter with law enforcement regarding narcotics. Records indicate that Madhav was first arrested in 2020 in Jubbal for the possession of 6.5 grams of heroin. He was apprehended again in 2025 in Rohru, where police seized approximately 70 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine phosphate and triprolidine HCL.

Why it matters

The arrest of a repeat offender involved in the distribution of illicit substances underscores the persistent challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring drug trafficking routes within the Shimla district. By removing a habitual offender from the streets, authorities aim to disrupt local supply chains of heroin and other controlled substances.

This development serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of the NDPS Act in India, which remains a critical tool for maintaining public safety. The case highlights the necessity of continued vigilance by district police in patrolling remote areas to prevent the movement of illegal contraband across regional boundaries.