Assam's Ongoing Battle Against Drug Abuse Highlighted by Chief Minister
Chief Minister's Commitment to a Drug-Free Assam
CM Sarma during the live broadcast of the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday
Guwahati, Aug 30: During the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his vision for a drug-free India, prompting Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to emphasize the state's ongoing efforts against narcotics. He reflected on the achievements since the inception of the “Assam Against Drugs” initiative in 2021.
Sarma elaborated in a comprehensive social media update that the state's anti-drug campaign has transformed into a systematic and ongoing effort, engaging Assam Police and various partner agencies.
Since the program's launch, narcotics valued at over Rs 3,253 crore have been confiscated, with more than 26,500 individuals apprehended.
“The number of arrests has consistently increased, from 4,175 in 2021 to 4,901 in 2025, demonstrating that this is a long-term commitment rather than a temporary initiative,” Sarma noted in his post.
He mentioned the recent destruction of seized drugs worth Rs 472 crore in Nalbari, emphasizing that this action was meant to convey a strong message that confiscated substances would not re-enter Assamese communities.
Sarma pointed out that the Assam Police are not acting alone but are part of a broader national effort to combat drug trafficking.
He highlighted Assam's geographical challenges, noting that the state acts as a transit route for narcotics from Myanmar, passing through Mizoram and Manipur before reaching other regions of India.
“Drug lords often operate from outside our borders, which is why this battle cannot be fought by Assam alone,” Sarma stated.
He acknowledged the support from the central government and Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in enhancing collaboration with Myanmar, improving border surveillance, sharing intelligence, and employing technology to intercept drug shipments.
Sarma's remarks coincided with Modi's renewed advocacy for a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” and the “Nasha Mukt Yuva” initiative, which the Prime Minister connects to the broader goal of developing India.
Assam, according to Sarma, aligns with the Prime Minister's focus on safeguarding youth from substance misuse and will persist in its efforts against drug networks that operate within and beyond the state's borders.
“Each seizure represents a family safeguarded and a future secured,” the Chief Minister asserted.
In the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Modi urged citizens to unite in the fight against drug abuse to ensure a brighter future for the nation's youth.
The Prime Minister noted that the “Drug-Free Youth for a Developed India” initiative is gaining traction nationwide.
“The objective is clear - a drug-free youth and a drug-free India. Let us unite to create a drug-free India and a stronger future for our youth,” Modi stated.
The central government's flagship Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), aimed at fostering a drug-free India, was launched on August 15, 2020, as part of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.