Aizawl, Jan 13: A total of 71 people, including 11 women, lost their lives due to drug abuse in Mizoram in 2024, according to the state’s Excise and Narcotics Department. This represents a slight decline from the 74 deaths recorded in 2023.

The majority of these fatalities were linked to heroin abuse, as stated by the department’s spokesperson, Peter Zohmingthanga. Since 1984, when the first drug-related death was reported, 1,881 people, including 230 women, have died due to drugs in the state.

Mizoram continues to face significant challenges related to drug trafficking, particularly from Myanmar, which shares a long border with the state. Despite a ban on alcohol, the abuse of heroin has surged in recent years, replacing substances like Spasmo-proxyvon and Parvon Spas that were more prevalent until 2015.

The state recorded its highest number of drug-related deaths in 2004, with 143 fatalities. Over the past decade, 564 drug-related deaths have been reported.

In 2024, the Excise Department made significant drug seizures, including 46.5 kg of heroin, 138.8 kg of methamphetamine tablets, and 586.6 kg of ganja. Additionally, 7,309 cases were filed against individuals involved in drug and alcohol-related offenses.