Mizoram’s fight against drugs has seen a significant decline in the availability of illicit drugs, particularly heroin, leading to a sharp increase in street prices. The Mizoram State Core Committee on Fight Against Drugs, chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, reviewed the state’s anti-drug campaign and expressed 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.
According to the Excise and Narcotics Department, the impact of Operation Jericho has led to a decline in the availability of illicit drugs, resulting in higher street prices for heroin and cough syrup. However, the committee noted that cannabis consumption has become more widespread, and cough syrup abuse continues to rise. The Police Department reported 319 drug-related cases in 2025, resulting in the arrest of 483 people, and 219 cases in the first half of 2026, with 312 arrests.
The committee stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns targeting children and young people through schools and church organisations. 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. The Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) presented an update on its anti-drug initiatives, including its Anti-Drugs Squad and Operation Jericho.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma 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. The committee’s efforts aim to strengthen the legal framework to tackle narcotics and address the growing use of cannabis and pharmaceutical drugs.
