Mizoram begins four-month drive against drug menace
Aizawl
The Mizoram government on Monday launched a four-month-long campaign-cum-operation to fight drug smuggling and abuse, a growing problem in the state. Home Minister K. Sapdanga inaugurated the initiative, which will run until December 31 and involve police, enforcement agencies, the Young Mizo Association (YMA), and village chiefs across all 11 districts.
Mizoram shares a 510 km unfenced border with Myanmar, making it a key transit route for methamphetamine tablets, heroin, and other contraband, including exotic animals. These drugs are smuggled into Mizoram and then transported to other Indian states and even Bangladesh through Assam and Tripura.
Inspector General of Police H. Ramthlengliana said Mizoram is the first northeastern state to launch such a large-scale anti-drug campaign. A special 30-member anti-drug squad will be deployed along the Myanmar border to support Assam Rifles and local volunteers. The plan aims to block at least 22 identified routes used by smugglers.
Experts estimate that only 10 to 12 percent of drugs smuggled from Myanmar are seized by enforcement agencies. The problem has already taken a toll on society — more than 50 people, including women, have died of drug abuse this year, while 351 deaths have been reported since 2020.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma recently called drug abuse the “biggest threat” to Mizoram, citing its proximity to the Golden Triangle, one of the world’s largest drug trafficking hubs. He urged collective efforts to fight smuggling, drug abuse, and related challenges like HIV/AIDS.
The state is also recruiting personnel to form a Mizo Territorial Army battalion dedicated to countering drug trafficking and maintaining law and order.