Aizawl, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Governor of Mizoram, Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (retd), stated on Monday that the state administration is dedicated to upholding prohibition laws, combating drug misuse, and protecting public health and social order.

Speaking at the 77th Republic Day festivities after hoisting the national flag at the central event held at Lammual Ground, the Governor highlighted that from April 2025 to the present, the Mizoram Police have escalated their ongoing efforts against illegal drugs and narcotics, achieving seizures valued at approximately Rs 816 crore.

He mentioned that during this timeframe, more than 217 criminal cases were filed and 338 individuals arrested in relation to unlawful drug trafficking activities.

In an associated crackdown on smuggling, Mizoram Police confiscated a significant shipment of unlawfully imported foreign arecanuts (betel nuts) worth about Rs 17.8 crore, leading to the apprehension of those involved.

Additionally, police operations during this period resulted in the recovery of 42 firearms alongside a considerable stockpile of ammunition and magazines, prompting numerous arrests and criminal charges. Counterfeit Indian currency notes in the denomination of Rs 500 were also discovered and seized, with legal action initiated against the offenders.

"These coordinated efforts highlight the steadfast commitment of Mizoram Police to maintain public order, combat organized crime, and ensure the safety and security of the populace," said the Governor.

He noted that in the financial year 2025–26, the Excise and Narcotics Department executed robust enforcement against drug trafficking, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of 611 offenders, the confiscation of 474 kg of illegal drugs, and the eradication of unlawful ganja plantations.

Regarding liquor prohibition, the Governor stated that the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2025 and the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Rules, 2025 were officially notified in October 2025, providing a fortified legal framework for enforcement. Following this notification, stringent implementation of the Act led to the arrest of over 4,000 individuals and the filing of numerous cases for violations. Consequently, revenue surpassing Rs 1.69 crore was generated during the year, exceeding the set annual target, he added.

The Governor affirmed that the overall law and order situation in the state for 2025–26 has remained tranquil, with no major incidents recorded due to the proactive measures and continuous oversight by the Mizoram Police. He observed that police forces continue to undertake rigorous duties to avert disturbances along the inter-state boundary with Assam by deploying sufficient security personnel. Moreover, to secure the international border with Myanmar from anti-national elements, Mizoram Police, in collaboration with border security forces like the Assam Rifles and the BSF, conducts regular joint patrols.

Discussing the tourism sector, the Governor reported that during 2024–25, Mizoram welcomed over five lakh tourists, marking a year-on-year increase of 139.5 percent. This upward trajectory has continued into 2025–26, with more than four lakh visitors recorded by October 2025, positioning the state as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Northeast.

He credited this growth to enhanced connectivity, including the opening of the railway line extending to Sairang, which significantly improves accessibility to the state.

On the healthcare front, the Governor noted that the state government is fortifying its network of hospitals, health centers, and dispensaries, while expanding outreach services to ensure effective healthcare delivery to the population. He mentioned that the Mizoram Youth Commission continues to empower the youth through training, job placement, and career guidance, with many having secured positions in reputable companies and hotel chains across the nation after training in hotel management, spa therapy, technical trades, and other emerging sectors.

Highlighting educational achievements, the Governor announced that Mizoram was recognized as the country's first fully literate state on May 20, 2025, a testament to the collective efforts of educators, institutions, and communities. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on September 13, 2025, for a multi-purpose indoor stadium at Tuikual in Aizawl under the Khelo India Scheme, with an estimated cost of Rs 11.5 crore.