Mizoram has launched the second phase of its anti-drug campaign, Operation Jericho, to prevent the movement of narcotics into and across the state ahead of the festive season. The operation was formally launched by Director General of Police Sharad Agarwal at a programme held at the police headquarters in Aizawl on October 30, officials said.
The second phase will involve personnel from the first, third and fifth battalions of the Mizoram Armed Police and the first Indian Reserve Battalion. The respective district Superintendents of Police will supervise the operation, with a particular focus on strengthening enforcement in areas vulnerable to drug trafficking.
Under Operation Jericho-2, special attention will be given to districts bordering neighbouring countries. Intelligence-led enforcement, increased vigilance along border areas, improved coordination among law enforcement agencies and greater community participation will be the key components of the campaign.
Officials said the operation aims not only to intercept narcotics but also to identify and dismantle trafficking networks operating across the state.
The first phase of Operation Jericho was launched on September 1 last year as a joint initiative of the Mizoram Police, the Excise and Narcotics Department and the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA). The campaign initially focused on 22 villages along the India-Myanmar border in Champhai district, where police personnel were deployed to prevent the movement of illegal drugs.
The operation was conducted in coordination with district police, civil society organisations, village defence parties and local branches of the Young Mizo Association (YMA).
Between the launch of the first phase and March 31 this year, when the dedicated deployment was withdrawn, authorities seized narcotics worth approximately Rs 391.95 crore. During the same period, 203 cases were registered and 298 people were arrested, according to police.
After the withdrawal of the specially deployed personnel, district police continued the operation using their existing manpower.
The campaign has since recorded further progress. As of October 26, a total of 447 cases had been registered, 663 people arrested and narcotics worth Rs 843.47 crore seized, officials said.
The launch of the second phase comes as authorities seek to strengthen surveillance and enforcement against drug trafficking during the festive season, when increased movement of people and goods can pose additional challenges for law enforcement agencies.
The Mizoram government has appealed to the public to remain alert and promptly share information about drug trafficking, drug peddling and other narcotics-related activities with the authorities.
Officials said public cooperation would remain an important part of the campaign, alongside intelligence gathering and coordinated action by security personnel, to curb the supply and movement of illegal drugs across the state.
