203/2026-2027

Aizawl, 25 June 2026: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed today at Dawrpui Multipurpose Hall, with Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma attending as the Chief Guest.

Addressing the gathering, particularly the students present, the Chief Minister urged everyone to have the courage to reject drugs even when they are easily accessible.

“Even if drugs are within your reach, do not experiment with them. They are tools of temptation that can destroy your life. Many people begin by trying drugs, believing they will not become addicted, but soon find themselves enslaved by addiction. Drugs destroy families and often lead people to an untimely grave,” he said.

The programme was attended by Smt. Lalrinpuii, Minister for Social Welfare, Women & Child Development; Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister for Excise & Narcotics; Shri K. Laldawngliana, MLA; Shri Khilli Ram Meena, Chief Secretary; senior government officials; and a large number of students. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to remain free from drugs and to continue the fight against substance abuse.

Highlights of the Chief Minister’s Address:

1. Significant Progress in Combating Drug Abuse

The Chief Minister recalled that when the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed in 2024, scenes of drug users wandering on the streets of Aizawl and district headquarters were common and often circulated widely on social media.

Since then, the Government of Mizoram, civil society organisations, churches, and community leaders have worked together to address both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem. Measures undertaken include the setting up of the Security Coordination Committee, revival of the Core Committee on Drug Prevention, implementation of targeted operations, awareness campaigns among students, media outreach initiatives, and rehabilitation programmes such as the Hulhhliap Short Stay initiative.

The Young Mizo Association (YMA) declared a year-long anti-drug campaign and actively conducted Anti-Drugs Squad operations, while churches were encouraged to intensify awareness efforts within their congregations.

The Government also partnered with rehabilitation centres, including the Sethawn Jordan Centre in collaboration with the Mizoram Synod.

As a result of these collective efforts, the Chief Minister noted that visible drug abuse on the streets has declined significantly and many individuals have successfully undergone rehabilitation and returned to normal life.

2. Prevention Is the Best Protection:

The Chief Minister highlighted Mizoram’s geographical proximity to regions known for illicit drug production and trafficking, making the State particularly vulnerable.

“While law enforcement efforts must continue, it is impossible to eliminate the threat entirely. Therefore, we must develop the strength to refuse drugs even when they are readily available. Experts agree that the best protection against drug addiction is never trying drugs in the first place,” he said.

He reiterated his appeal to students and young people to avoid experimenting with drugs under any circumstances.

3. Report Drug Peddlers and traffickers:

The Chief Minister strongly condemned those who profit from the sale of drugs, describing them as individuals whose actions destroy lives, families, and communities.

Referring to recent cases of drug trafficking incidences, he warned that traffickers often exploit trust, friendship, and the Mizo tradition of helping others by persuading people to carry packages containing narcotics. Many innocent individuals have consequently been arrested and imprisoned.

He urged citizens to report any suspected drug peddlers or trafficking activities to the authorities.

“If we know or suspect anyone involved in drug trafficking, we must report them. Let them face the punishment they deserve,” he said.

4. Responding to Emerging Challenges:

The theme for this year’s observance is “Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”

The Chief Minister noted that the emergence of synthetic drugs, increasingly sophisticated criminal networks, and the use of advanced technologies for trafficking present new challenges in the fight against drugs. He warned that technologies such as drones could potentially be used for drug trafficking in the future.

He stressed the need for continuous learning, innovation, and evidence-based awareness campaigns to stay ahead of evolving threats. “Protecting Mizoram from the scourge of drugs and guiding our youth away from addiction is not only a social responsibility but also an essential task in safeguarding our State and our people,” he said.

Special Recognition Awards:

During the programme, awards were presented to individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions in various fields:

Category 1: Sports
* Cindy Remruatpuii Colney (Footballer)
* Samuel Zadeng (Boxer)

Category 2: CmRehabilitation
* New Life Home Society, Jeriko Hostel, for providing care and rehabilitation services to vulnerable girls, with more than 5,000 beneficiaries assisted.

Category 3: Drug Rehabilitation and Recovery Services
* Jimmy LNS Tluanga, for 23 years of service in rehabilitation and recovery support.

* B. Lalrinpuii, for seven years of dedicated service to recovering drug users.

The observance was jointly organised by the Departments of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, Excise & Narcotics, Information & Public Relations, Higher & Technical Education, School Education, and other partner organisations including Assam Rifles, BSF, MSACS, CYMA, MKHC, MHIP, MDUF, and FINGODAP.