Himanta Biswa Sarma Launches Massive Assam Anti-Drug Drive

The Assam government has launched a major state-level drugs disposal campaign to combat the state's growing role as a transit hub for illegal narcotics. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the drive at the 14th Assam Police Battalion campus in Nalbari by destroying a large quantity of seized cough syrup bottles with a road roller. Officials confirmed that narcotics valued at over Rs 472 crore, including significant amounts of heroin, ganja, and Yaba tablets, are being destroyed across the state.

Addressing the media, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized the complexity of the drug trade, which involves multi-layered international networks. He identified the route from Myanmar through Manipur and Mizoram as the primary pipeline for these substances entering the country. The Chief Minister stressed the necessity of improved inter-state coordination, particularly citing better cooperation with the West Bengal government following recent political changes in the state.

The administration plans to persist with this 'ruthless' approach against traffickers to disrupt transit networks. While over 3,300 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act during the last five years, authorities acknowledge the difficulty in capturing the primary traffickers who operate from abroad. The government remains focused on strengthening inter-state surveillance in sensitive border districts like Cachar, Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao to curb the movement of illegal substances.