Mizoram to frame stronger anti-drug law amid rising trafficking concerns

The Mizoram government has decided to draft a state-specific anti-drug law or amend existing legislation to strengthen the state’s legal framework against drug trafficking and substance abuse as concerns over narcotics-related crimes continue to grow.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting of the Mizoram State Core Committee on Fight Against Drugs, chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma in Aizawl. The meeting was attended by Home Minister K Sapdanga, Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar and other members of the committee.

The committee resolved to constitute a panel to examine the existing legal provisions and recommend a stronger legal framework suited to Mizoram’s specific challenges in tackling drug trafficking, addiction and related offences.

Apart from the proposed legislation, the committee agreed to simplify the reimbursement process for court witness expenses by exempting such payments from the Integrated Financial Management and Information System (IFMIS). It also discussed setting up active anti-drug committees in every locality and village across the state to strengthen community participation in the fight against drugs.

The meeting reviewed reports submitted by the Excise and Narcotics Department, Mizoram Police, the Social Welfare Department and the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA).

According to Mizoram Police, 319 drug-related cases were registered in 2025, leading to the arrest of 483 people. In the first six months of 2026 alone, 219 cases have been registered and 312 people arrested. Officials said the increase in cases reflects changing trafficking methods, with smugglers now transporting smaller consignments more frequently, along with improved enforcement efforts by the authorities.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma appreciated the work of government departments and civil society organisations involved in the state’s anti-drug campaign. He said the drug menace could not be eliminated overnight but added that sustained efforts had started producing visible results.

Officials informed the meeting that Operation Jericho, a joint anti-drug initiative involving the Excise and Narcotics Department, Mizoram Police and civil society organisations, has significantly reduced the availability of illicit drugs in the state, leading to a sharp rise in street prices. They also reported a decline in the availability of cough syrup and other commonly abused pharmaceutical drugs.

The Social Welfare Department stated that nearly 30 per cent of beneficiaries admitted to the Hulhhliap Short Stay Centre, a de-addiction facility established near Aizawl in June 2025, have successfully overcome drug addiction. The department said 198 beneficiaries have completed training in 13 skill development courses, while 21 individuals have received assistance under the Bana Kaih Chief Minister’s Special Package.

Representatives of the Central Young Mizo Association also presented updates on anti-drug initiatives carried out through its Anti-Drugs Squad and Operation Jericho. However, the meeting expressed concern over the increasing use of cannabis and the continued abuse of cough syrup despite a reported decline in the availability of heroin across the state.