Aizawl, January 24, 2026: A high-level meeting to review ongoing anti-drug measures and chart future strategies to curb drug abuse in Mizoram was held on Friday at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Aizawl.
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| Image Credit: DIPR Mizoram |
The meeting was chaired by Lalduhoma, and attended by Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Excise & Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, senior officials from the Home Department and Excise & Narcotics Department, including the IGP (HQ/L&O), Excise Commissioner, SP Narcotics, as well as representatives of the Central Young Mizo Association (Central YMA).
Reviewing the state’s initiatives, Chief Minister Lalduhoma said the government has intensified its fight against drugs by opening Excise & Narcotics stations at Saitual, Khawzawl and Hnahthial in December 2024, while approvals have also been granted for new excise stations at Sairang and Bairabi, key entry points into the state. He added that 18 vehicles were procured for the department on March 14, 2025, along with plans to provide three light motor vehicles (LMVs) to strengthen enforcement in remote areas.
The Chief Minister also informed that 16 new posts were created in the Excise & Narcotics Department to enhance manpower. Of these, 28 personnel have already been recruited through direct recruitment, while preparations are underway to recruit an additional 39 personnel. He noted that during 2025 alone, a total of 319 cases related to drugs and intoxicants were registered across the state.
Describing drugs as the “biggest enemy of society,” Lalduhoma stressed that the fight against drug abuse requires collective responsibility involving both the government and civil society. He highlighted the launch of Operation Jericho on September 1, 2025, jointly undertaken by the Home Department, Excise & Narcotics Department and Central YMA across 22 vulnerable border villages to curb drug trafficking. Between September 1, 2025 and January 13, 2026, drugs and related contraband worth Rs 196.42 crore were seized, he added.
Home Minister K. Sapdanga said strengthening the Excise & Narcotics Department, with the active support of the Home Department and Central YMA, has yielded positive results. He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by district administrations in implementing anti-drug measures beyond Aizawl.
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Excise & Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar pointed out that with improved connectivity and increasing tourist inflow, visible drug abuse in urban and peripheral areas could negatively impact Mizoram’s image. He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among government departments, civil society organisations, and local communities, not only to curb drug trafficking but also to rehabilitate drug users.
Central YMA General Secretary Prof. Malsawmliana informed the meeting that since the reopening of schools on December 10, 2025, joint operations with the police led to the identification of 192 drug users loitering in public places between December 10, 2025 and January 12, 2026, of whom 85 were admitted to rehabilitation centres. He also said that the Central Anti-Drugs Squad, comprising 24 members, was constituted on January 20, 2026, and is tasked with monitoring 10 zones within Aizawl city.
The meeting also discussed strengthening rehabilitation and skill development programmes for recovering drug users, expanding outposts in border areas vulnerable to drug inflow, and enhancing coordination among enforcement agencies.
The review concluded with a renewed resolve to sustain and intensify Mizoram’s collective fight against drug abuse through stronger enforcement, rehabilitation, and community participation.
