Mizoram, bordering Myanmar, is grappling with a severe drug crisis. Governor VK Singh expresses deep concern over the escalating narcotics trade, demanding immediate action to stem the flow of heroin and methamphetamine. Recent seizures highlight the staggering scale of the problem.
BY PC bureau
Mizoram, strategically positioned along the 510-kilometer porous border with Myanmar, has emerged as a significant transit hub for drug trafficking. The state’s proximity to the infamous Golden Triangle—a global epicenter for illicit drug production—has led to an influx of narcotics, including heroin, methamphetamine, and other synthetic drugs. This crisis has reached alarming proportions, drawing serious concern from the state government and law enforcement agencies.
“The menace of drug trafficking and abuse has assumed alarming proportions today and is of much concern to my government.”
— General VK Singh, Governor of Mizoram in his maiden address of budget session of Mizoram state assembly. pic.twitter.com/Cq1v0T9rmv
— 𝙾𝚄𝚁𝙾 𝙺𝙴𝙽𝙾𝙱𝙸🎋 (@OuroKenobi) February 19, 2025
Governor’s Alarm: A Call for Vigilance
Addressing the inaugural session of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly’s budget session, on February 19 Governor General VK Singh expressed grave concern over the escalating drug menace, emphasizing its threat to law and order. He highlighted the critical need for vigilance in curbing drug trafficking, securing inter-state boundaries, and preventing anti-national elements from exploiting the state’s geographical vulnerabilities.
“The menace of drug trafficking and abuse has assumed alarming proportions today and is of much concern to my government,” the Governor stated in his maiden speech to the legislature. He commended the efforts of Mizoram Police, the Excise and Narcotics Department, Assam Rifles, and the Border Security Force (BSF) in their relentless battle against drug-related crimes. However, he stressed the urgency of intensified surveillance and cooperation at all levels to mitigate this growing crisis.
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Despite the severity of the drug problem, the Governor assured that Mizoram’s overall law and order situation remained stable in the past year, attributing this to the proactive role and constant monitoring by the state police. He also noted that Mizoram Police has been performing arduous duties to prevent disturbances along the inter-state boundaries, while border patrolling in collaboration with paramilitary forces has been reinforced to deter anti-national activities.
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Rising Drug Seizures: A Disturbing Trend
Recent crackdowns underscore the vast scale of drug trafficking in Mizoram:
- February 19, 2025: Security forces seized over 10 kg of methamphetamine tablets valued at approximately ₹71.15 crore in Champhai district.
- February 18, 2025: A major bust at the Vangkai crossing point led to the confiscation of 9.298 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹27.90 crore, with two Myanmar nationals arrested.
- February 12, 2025: Officials intercepted 945 grams of raw opium near the Indo-Myanmar border.
Annual drug seizure statistics further highlight the gravity of the issue:
- 2024: Mizoram Police seized contraband drugs worth over ₹211.64 crore, including large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine.
- April 2024 – January 2025: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) reported confiscations totaling ₹355 crore, including 231 kg of methamphetamine tablets and 16 kg of heroin.
Legal Actions and Policy Measures
The state government has stepped up its crackdown on drug-related offenses. In the current financial year:
- 600 drug traffickers have been arrested and prosecuted.
- 441 drug-related cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- A total of 429.116 kilograms of various drugs have been seized.
- 37 foreign nationals have been arrested for narcotic-related crimes.
Additionally, Mizoram is also tackling liquor-related violations under the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act, 2019, with 4,364 individuals arrested and 4,862 cases registered for illegal alcohol trade and consumption.
Challenges and Strategic Responses
Several factors contribute to Mizoram’s vulnerability to drug trafficking:
- Porous Borders: The state shares a 325 km-long boundary with Assam, Tripura, and Manipur, and a 318 km-long border with Bangladesh, making it susceptible to cross-border smuggling.
- Myanmar Conflict: The political instability following the 2021 Myanmar military coup has intensified drug trafficking through Mizoram.
- Manipur Unrest: The ongoing conflict in Manipur has further complicated Mizoram’s anti-narcotics efforts, as smugglers increasingly use the state as a conduit for trafficking narcotics from Myanmar to other Indian states.
- Resource Constraints: Law enforcement agencies struggle with manpower shortages and inadequate surveillance technology, limiting their ability to monitor vast border regions effectively.
The escalating drug trafficking crisis in Mizoram poses a serious threat to its social fabric and security. While the state government and law enforcement agencies have made significant strides in combating this menace, the fight is far from over. With sustained vigilance, strengthened policies, and enhanced border security, Mizoram can hope to curb the growing narcotics trade and protect its citizens from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
