Aizawl: The Mizoram State Core Committee on Fight Against Drugs, chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, on Tuesday reviewed the state’s anti-drug campaign and resolved to strengthen the legal framework to tackle narcotics while expressing concern over the growing use of cannabis and the abuse of pharmaceutical drugs.
The committee decided to constitute a panel to draft a state-specific anti-drug law or recommend amendments to existing legislation to strengthen drug control in Mizoram.
It 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.
Reviewing the impact of Operation Jericho, the Excise and Narcotics Department reported that the availability of illicit drugs, particularly heroin, has declined significantly, leading to a sharp increase in street prices. Similar trends were reported for cough syrup and other commonly abused pharmaceutical drugs.
However, the committee noted that while heroin has become less accessible, cannabis consumption has become more widespread and cough syrup abuse continues to rise.
It stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns targeting children and young people through schools and church organisations.
The Police Department informed the meeting that 319 drug-related cases were registered in 2025, resulting in the arrest of 483 people. Between January and June 2026, police had already registered 219 cases and arrested 312 people.
Officials attributed the rise in cases to changing trafficking methods, with smugglers increasingly transporting smaller consignments that are easier for law enforcement agencies to intercept, alongside improved enforcement capabilities.
The committee also reviewed the state’s rehabilitation efforts. The Social Welfare Department reported that around 30 per cent of beneficiaries admitted to the Hulhhliap Short Stay Centre had successfully overcome drug addiction following rehabilitation.
A total of 198 beneficiaries received training in 13 skill development courses, while 21 were assisted under the Bana Kaih Chief Minister’s Special Package.
The Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) presented an update on its anti-drug initiatives, including its Anti-Drugs Squad and Operation Jericho. It also reported that rehabilitation facilities at the TBCC were being expanded with government support.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who chaired the meeting attended by Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, and senior officials, said that while the drug menace cannot be eliminated overnight, sustained efforts by government departments and civil society organisations were beginning to show encouraging results.
