The Mizoram government is taking a firm stance against cross-border areca nut smuggling, with a warning that no person, including government officials and police, will escape punishment if implicated in this illegal trade. State Home Minister K. Sapdanga expressed the administration’s commitment to eradicating areca nut smuggling in his address at the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) office in Aizawl. He mentioned that efforts are underway to eliminate corrupt elements from the system and highlighted that politicians associated with the smuggling have been rejected by voters, and complicit police personnel are being retired.
Sapdanga noted the positive impact of restrictions on foreign imports for local areca nut farmers, particularly in the Hachhek area of Mamit district, where demand for locally produced areca nut has increased due to the anti-smuggling measures. He announced the continuation and enhancement of ‘Operation Jericho’, a collaborative effort initiated in September of the previous year involving home and excise departments, along with civil society organizations like the Young Mizo Association (YMA). This initiative is focused on addressing the escalating drug trafficking and addiction crisis in the state.
Highlighting the seriousness of the drug situation, Sapdanga revealed that Aizawl is home to over 10,000 drug addicts, making the capital increasingly unsafe after dark for all residents. The administration’s efforts reflect a strong resolve to combat both areca nut smuggling and the related drug trafficking issues in Mizoram.
