The Mizoram State Core Committee on Fight Against Drugs, chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, met on Tuesday at the Chief Minister’s Conference Hall to review the State’s ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, and other members of the Core Committee.
In his remarks, the Chief Minister expressed appreciation to all departments and voluntary organisations engaged in the fight against drugs. He stated that while the drug menace cannot be eliminated overnight, the State’s sustained efforts are yielding encouraging results and significant progress is becoming evident.
The Committee received progress reports from the Excise and Narcotics Department, Police Department, Social Welfare Department, and the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA).
The Excise and Narcotics Department reported that following the launch of Operation Jericho, the availability of illicit drugs has declined considerably, resulting in a sharp increase in street prices. A similar trend has also been observed in the case of cough syrup and other commonly abused pharmaceutical drugs.
According to the Police Department, 319 drug-related cases were registered in 2025, resulting in the arrest of 483 persons. During the current year, up to June 2026, 219 cases have already been registered and 312 persons arrested. The increase in the number of cases and arrests is attributed to a shift in trafficking patterns. While large consignments were more common in previous years, traffickers are now transporting smaller quantities more frequently. Coupled with enhanced enforcement capabilities and improved equipment, this has enabled the police to detect and apprehend more offenders.
The Social Welfare Department reported that follow-up assessments of beneficiaries of the Hulhhliap Short Stay Centre indicate that approximately 30 per cent of those admitted have successfully overcome drug addiction. A total of 198 beneficiaries have received training in 13 different skill development courses, while 21 beneficiaries have been assisted under the Bana Kaih Chief Minister’s Special Package. The Government spends an estimated Rs 15,422 per beneficiary for rehabilitation services at the Hulhhliap Centre.
The Central YMA presented a report on its anti-drug initiatives carried out through its Anti-Drugs Squad and Operation Jericho. It also highlighted the effective utilisation of vehicles provided to support anti-drug operations. With Government assistance, the Central YMA is currently expanding rehabilitation facilities for persons with substance use disorders at the TBCC.
The Committee noted with concern that while the availability of heroin has declined and its price has increased, the use of cannabis has become more widespread, and the abuse of cough syrup continues to rise. It emphasised the need for a structured and sustained awareness campaign targeting children and youth through the School Education Department and various church organisations.
The meeting also resolved to constitute a committee to draft State-specific legislation or amendment to the existing aimed at strengthening the legal framework for drug control in Mizoram. It further agreed to simplify the reimbursement process for court witness expenses by exempting such payments from the IFMIS route.
The Committee also deliberated on establishing active anti-drug committees in every locality and village across the State and discussed matters relating to the allocation and utilisation of funds for the Mizoram State Core Committee on Fight Against Drugs.
