Did Mizoram Burn Drugs Worth Rs 117.03 Crore in Champhai?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Drugs worth Rs 117.03 crore were incinerated in Champhai, Mizoram.
- The region is a major hotspot for drug smuggling from Myanmar.
- Authorities are strengthening measures to combat drug trafficking.
- Plans for a Mizo Territorial Army battalion are underway.
- The establishment of an NCB zonal office in Mizoram has been proposed.
Aizawl, June 26 (NationPress) The Drug Disposal Committee conducted a significant drug burning event on Thursday, incinerating seized narcotics valued at Rs 117.03 crore in Champhai District, located in eastern Mizoram, a prominent hub for drug smuggling from Myanmar into India's northeastern territory, according to officials.
A government representative confirmed that the drugs worth Rs 117.03 crore were destroyed in the presence of senior officials at the Champhai District Hospital Complex. The official noted that the Champhai district Police had seized drugs totaling Rs 117.34 crore between June 2024 and April 2025.
A significant number of drug traffickers, including individuals from Myanmar, have been apprehended in connection with the smuggling operations. The confiscated substances include methamphetamine tablets, commonly referred to as Yaba or party tablets, along with heroin and ganja (marijuana).
The highly sought-after methamphetamine tablets are a crystal-like substance that poses severe risks to the brain and heart.
According to the official, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed support for the Mizoram government's initiative to establish a Mizo Territorial Army (MTA) battalion aimed at addressing drug trafficking and law enforcement challenges.
During a recent visit to New Delhi, Chief Minister Lalduhoma engaged with the Home Minister to discuss various pressing issues.
“The Chief Minister conveyed his appreciation to the Home Minister for endorsing the proposal to create a Mizo Territorial Army battalion, highlighting its significance in generating employment for Mizo youth and bolstering national security,” stated the official.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has also recently put forth a suggestion to establish its zonal office in Mizoram. NCB Director General Anurag Garg met with the Chief Minister and advocated for a fully operational NCB office in the state, emphasizing the necessity for additional personnel familiar with the local language and regional circumstances.
During discussions with Garg, Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer, explored strategies to combat drug trafficking and the rising issue of narcotics use among the youth.
The Chief Minister informed the NCB DG that he had already reached out to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to establish or permit the state government to form the MTA, aiming to enhance surveillance along the state's unfenced borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Officials reported that various drugs, including methamphetamine and heroin, are frequently smuggled from Myanmar and illegally transported to different regions of India and Bangladesh via northeastern states.
Myanmar's Chin state serves as a central point for smuggling diverse drugs, exotic wildlife, and other contraband through six districts in Mizoram: Champhai, Siaha, Lawngtlai, Hnahthial, Saitual, and Serchhip.
This neighboring country shares a 1,643 km unfenced border with four northeastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram—making it a crucial transit route for drugs and other illegal items entering India.
Nevertheless, increased vigilance by security forces and law enforcement agencies frequently results in drug seizures and the arrest of smugglers and others involved in trafficking.
Myanmar's Chin state remains a significant center for the trafficking of various drugs, exotic wildlife, and numerous other illegal items.