Mizoram has launched a four-month anti-drug campaign to combat smuggling and abuse across its Myanmar border districts. With police, Assam Rifles, and YMA joining forces, the operation aims to reduce trafficking, protect youth, and address the state’s biggest threat—drug abuse and its devastating impact on society.
In a determined move to tackle the growing drug menace, the Mizoram government has launched a four-month-long campaign-cum-operation against drug smuggling and substance abuse across the state. The campaign, which began on Monday, will run until December 31, focusing on both enforcement and awareness initiatives, officials said.
A border state facing relentless smuggling challenges
Mizoram’s geographical location makes it highly vulnerable to cross-border drug trafficking. The state shares a 510-kilometer-long, unfenced border with Myanmar, a major source of narcotics entering India. According to officials, narcotics such as methamphetamine tablets, heroin, and other contraband — including exotic animals — are frequently smuggled through six border districts: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
From Mizoram, these illicit substances often make their way to other Indian states and even abroad, including Bangladesh, through transit routes in Assam and Tripura.
A multi-agency approach to curb trafficking
Launching the campaign in Aizawl, Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga said the government is fully committed to preventing the proliferation of drugs and their devastating impact on society. “Drug-related activities are rampant in Mizoram, hugely affecting our youth. We are determined to fight this menace with the active support of civil society,” Sapdanga said.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) H. Ramthlengliana explained that the campaign will involve police, excise and narcotics officials, village chiefs, and the influential Young Mizo Association (YMA). “This is the first large-scale operation of its kind among the eight Northeastern states,” he said, adding that joint teams would conduct operations in drug-affected localities, villages, and sensitive border areas.
The YMA, one of Mizoram’s most respected social organizations, has been playing a crucial role in community development and awareness programs. Their collaboration is expected to strengthen grassroots-level efforts in preventing drug abuse.
Identifying the sources and sealing the routes
Officials revealed that during a high-level meeting on August 7, law enforcement and community leaders identified 22 key sources in neighboring Myanmar that supply drugs to Mizoram. Narcotics are also being funneled into the state from other parts of the Northeast.
To address this, a special anti-drug squad of 30 policemen has been formed. The squad will be stationed in border regions, working alongside the Assam Rifles and local volunteers to intercept trafficking attempts. The Assam Rifles, which already guards the India-Myanmar border, will play a central role in coordinated action.
A crisis affecting lives and communities
Drug abuse has already taken a heavy toll on Mizoram. Official data from the state Excise and Narcotics Department shows that over 50 people, including women, have died of drug-related causes this year alone. Between 2020 and mid-2025, the state recorded 351 drug-related deaths.
Home Minister Sapdanga warned that drug smugglers, including Myanmar nationals, often resort to theft and other crimes, posing additional risks to society. “This is not only a law-and-order issue but also a threat to the social fabric of Mizoram,” he stressed.
Experts caution that law enforcement is only able to intercept about 10 to 12 percent of the narcotics smuggled into Mizoram. This low rate of seizure highlights the scale of the challenge and the sophistication of trafficking networks.
Chief Minister: Drug abuse is Mizoram’s biggest threat
Chief Minister Lalduhoma has described drug abuse as the single biggest threat to the state. He noted Mizoram’s proximity to the infamous “Golden Triangle” — a region where the borders of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand converge, notorious for narcotics production and trafficking.
Lalduhoma emphasized the need for collective action, not only against smuggling and substance abuse but also to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, which is often linked with intravenous drug use. “This is not just a struggle for law and order, but a battle for the physical and spiritual well-being of our people,” he said.
As part of its long-term strategy, the Mizoram government has also initiated the recruitment process for a Mizo Territorial Army battalion, which will be deployed to counter drug trafficking and strengthen internal security.
A call for collective vigilance
The four-month campaign against drugs marks Mizoram’s boldest effort yet to safeguard its people from the destructive grip of narcotics. With government agencies, paramilitary forces, and civil society groups working in unison, officials hope that this initiative will significantly reduce smuggling and drug abuse in the state.
| Also Read: Assam Congress Files FIR against BJP leaders over Rajiv Bhawan violence |
While the road ahead remains challenging, the campaign is seen as a critical step in protecting Mizoram’s youth and future generations from the dangers of drug addiction and criminal networks.
