Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): The Shimla Illegal Opium Cultivation Case came to light after police uncovered illegal poppy cultivation inside an apple orchard in the Deha area of Shimla district.
Police registered FIR No. 18/26 on May 16, 2026, under Section 18 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Deha. According to officials, police launched the operation after receiving specific intelligence inputs regarding illegal opium cultivation in village Jhola.
Moreover, the case has raised fresh concerns over narcotics-related activities in rural parts of Himachal Pradesh.
Police Receive Secret Information During Patrol
According to police officials, a police team was conducting routine patrolling in village Jhola on May 16, 2026.
During the patrol, officers received confidential information that Mahendra, son of Shyama and a resident of village Jhola, had allegedly cultivated opium plants illegally inside his apple orchard.
As a result, the police team immediately moved to the location to verify the information.
Police Conduct Search in Presence of Witnesses
When police reached the spot, officials found Mahendra’s mother Shyama present there.
After that, officers conducted a formal search of the apple orchard located around 50 meters below the house. Police carried out the search in the presence of independent witnesses and followed legal procedures during the operation.
Furthermore, investigators carefully inspected the orchard area to identify any illegal cultivation hidden among the apple plants.
350 Opium Plants Found Inside Apple Orchard
During the search operation, police discovered a large number of opium plants growing between the apple trees.
Officials counted a total of 350 opium plants at the spot. Subsequently, police destroyed all the plants immediately after completing the seizure process.
According to authorities, the Shimla Illegal Opium Cultivation Case represents another significant action against illegal narcotics cultivation in the region.
Moreover, police officials stated that such operations will continue to prevent drug-related activities in rural areas.
Police Continue Investigation Into Land Ownership
Police officials confirmed that they are currently obtaining ownership records related to the land where the illegal cultivation took place.
In addition, investigators are examining all aspects connected to the Shimla Illegal Opium Cultivation Case. Authorities are also verifying whether other individuals were involved in the cultivation activity.
Therefore, police have continued the investigation to establish the complete background of the case.
Police Reiterate Strict Action Against Drug Activities
Officials stated that police will continue strict action against illegal narcotics cultivation and trafficking under the NDPS Act.
They also appealed to local residents to share information regarding suspicious activities related to drugs or illegal farming.
Furthermore, police emphasized that public cooperation remains important in controlling narcotics-related crimes across Himachal Pradesh.
5 Key Points – Shimla Illegal Opium Cultivation Case
- Shimla Police uncovered illegal opium cultivation in village Jhola
- Police found 350 opium plants inside an apple orchard
- Officers launched the raid after receiving secret information
- Police destroyed all recovered opium plants at the spot
- Investigators are now examining land ownership and other links
