Aizawl, February 19: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday said drug traffickers have started rerouting through Saitual district after intensified enforcement measures disrupted major smuggling corridors in Champhai.
Speaking during a discussion on the Governor’s address in the Assembly, Lalduhoma said the government has strengthened efforts to curb drug smuggling and the illegal trade of contraband items, including Burmese areca nuts, along the 510-km international border shared with Myanmar. The border touches six districts—Champhai, Saitual, Lawngtlai, Siaha, Serchhip and Hnahthial.
He stated that a core committee comprising the Assam Rifles, Army, Border Security Force (BSF) and the Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) has been formed to enhance coordination and intelligence sharing. According to the Chief Minister, real-time intelligence exchange among agencies has accelerated operations and improved their effectiveness.
In September last year, the state government launched “Operation Jericho” in coordination with the Young Mizo Association, targeting 20 border villages. The drive led to the dismantling of several trafficking networks in Champhai, traditionally considered a key entry point for narcotics into the state. Following the crackdown, smuggling routes reportedly shifted towards Saitual district.
The Chief Minister said the Home Department is now taking steps to seal these emerging routes. He highlighted a major seizure in Keifang area of Saitual district, where state police confiscated 15 kg of heroin last year, described as the largest single seizure in Mizoram.
He further informed the Assembly that the central anti-drug squads of the Young Mizo Association have divided Aizawl into 10 zones to strengthen monitoring and prevent the spread of narcotics within the state capital.
Lalduhoma noted that intensified enforcement has resulted in a rise in heroin prices due to reduced availability, with reports of peddlers adulterating supplies.
Earlier, Governor Vijay Kumar Singh in his address stated that drugs worth Rs 1,047 crore were seized during 2025–26. He also reported the seizure of 487 kg of narcotics and 652 arrests made by the Excise and Narcotics Department during the current financial year.
