Mizoram anti-drug committee reviews campaign as heroin prices rise and cannabis use increases

Mizoram’s State Core Committee on Fight Against Drugs met in Aizawl under Chief Minister Lalduhoma to review the progress of the state’s anti-narcotics campaign. The committee discussed both recent enforcement outcomes and the changing patterns of drug use and trafficking in the state.

Panel to shape tougher anti-drug legal framework

After reviewing the campaign, the committee resolved to strengthen the legal framework to tackle narcotics more effectively. It decided to either draft a state-specific anti-drug law or recommend amendments to existing legislation. The committee also agreed to simplify the reimbursement process for court witnesses in drug cases by exempting such payments from the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) route.

Officials also assessed the impact of Operation Jericho. The Excise and Narcotics Department reported that the availability of illicit drugs, especially heroin, has declined significantly. As a result, street prices for heroin have risen. Similar trends were noted for cough syrup and other commonly misused pharmaceutical drugs.

Cases rise even as heroin becomes less accessible

While heroin has become harder to obtain, the committee said cannabis use has become more widespread. It also highlighted continued abuse of pharmaceutical drugs and stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns aimed at children and young people through schools and church organisations.

The Police Department reported that 319 drug-related cases were registered in 2025, leading to the arrest of 483 people. For the period from January to June 2026, police had already registered 219 cases and arrested 312 people. Officials attributed the increase in cases to changing trafficking methods, including smugglers transporting smaller consignments that are easier to intercept and more difficult to detect in larger operations. They also said improved enforcement capabilities have helped.

On rehabilitation, the Social Welfare Department reported that around 30 per cent of beneficiaries admitted to the Hulhhliap Short Stay Centre had overcome drug addiction after rehabilitation. It said 198 beneficiaries completed training in 13 skill development courses, and 21 were supported under the Bana Kaih Chief Minister’s Special Package. The committee also heard from the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) about its anti-drug work, including an Anti-Drugs Squad and Operation Jericho, along with expansion plans for rehabilitation facilities at the TBCC. The Chief Minister said the drug menace cannot be eliminated overnight, but sustained efforts by government departments and civil society groups are showing results.