Northeast Desk, 5th March: Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar highlighted concerns over the rise in drug smuggling within the state, attributing it to the ethnic violence in neighbouring Manipur. In response to queries during the ongoing budget session, Hmar revealed that drugs are being smuggled into Manipur and Tripura via Mizoram from other countries.
The escalation of violence in Manipur since May 3, 2023, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March,’ has exacerbated the situation. This unrest emerged as hill districts opposed the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the Meitei community.
According to Hmar, the Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Department has seized significant quantities of drugs since January this year, including 15 kg of heroin, 96.5 kg of methamphetamine tablets, and 238.6 kg of ganja. Additionally, authorities have made 1,211 arrests in drug-related cases during the same period.
Expressing concern over the implications of drug trafficking and abuse, Hmar emphasized the need for concerted efforts from the government, NGOs, churches, and the community to address the situation effectively.
Despite these challenges, Hmar noted a decline in local-level drug circulation and consumption following collaborative initiatives launched by the state government, religious institutions, and civil society organizations.
However, he lamented that despite these efforts, ten individuals, including a woman, have lost their lives due to drug abuse since January. This underscores the urgency of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and addiction within the state of Mizoram.
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