13cr assets frozen, even police penalised over drugs: CG HM

Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday witnessed a heated debate over the alleged rising narcotics trade, with MLA Ajay Chandrakar alleging a worsening drug menace and easy availability near educational campuses. Home minister Vijay Sharma defended the govt's crackdown, stating that properties worth Rs 13.3 crore were attached and cases are being pursued under relevant Acts. He highlighted formation of Anti-Narcotics Task Force, seizure of 296 vehicles, and a recent 9-quintal ganja haul in Kawardha.The home minister confirmed that even personnel within the police department are not being spared. Referring to a specific case on 11 February 2026, where a constable was found in possession of heroin (chitta) and a live cartridge in Tikrapara, Raipur, Sharma stated that a case under the NDPS Act and Arms Act was registered. The department is taking legal action against any official found complicit in such activities. Official data revealed that in the last four months alone, police registered 399 cases of drug trafficking and arrested 679 individuals. In 2025, the state recorded 1,288 cases with 2,342 arrests. The action continued into 2026, with 146 cases and 257 arrests reported by 31 Jan.BJP MLA Chandrakar, however, countered that the home department was merely listing statistics of arrests and seizures. Citing data from the Social Justice and Development Department, he pointed out a significant rise in the number of ganja users and those consuming medicinal syrups for intoxication, particularly in Balrampur and Bastar.Deputy CM Sharma informed the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly that the state govt remains committed to eliminating the illegal trade of narcotics. Responding to a calling attention motion moved by ruling party MLAs Ajay Chandrakar and Dharamlal Kaushik, the home minister rejected claims of administrative failure, citing extensive seizures and arrests made across the state. Addressing concerns regarding the sale of smoking accessories like rolling papers and smoking cones in Raipur and Durg, the home minister stated that special drives are being conducted.The deputy CM dismissed allegations of public resentment, asserting that the govt is successfully breaking both the supply and demand chains of the drug trades.