Shimla, April 8 -- Reiterating zero tolerance of police personnel, Himachal Pradesh director general of police Ashok Tiwari on Tuesday said 16 police personnel have been dismissed from service over drug taint. This was stated by Tiwari while speaking to the media during a painting exhibition organized by the police on Tuesday. Reiterating a firm stance regarding the rising cases of drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh and the alleged involvement of drug traffickers within the police department, the DGP said, "Any stain on the 'khaki' will not be tolerated at any cost". The DGP issued a warning that any form of complicity with drug peddlers would be deemed unacceptable. The DGP disclosed that, so far this year, 16 police personnel have been dismissed from service. Cases had either been registered against these personnel under the NDPS Act, or credible intelligence had been received indicating that they were providing patronage to drug traffickers. He emphasized that whether the involvement is direct or indirect, the guilty will not be spared. Meanwhile, the Himachal police on Tuesday organised an art exhibition by its personnel at the iconic Gaiety Theatre, with artworks carrying a strong message against drug abuse. The exhibition - "Beyond the Uniform," highlighted artistic talent of police personnel whose paintings depicted ill-effects of drug addiction and emotional struggles associated with it. htc...