Assam's Ongoing Battle Against Drug Trafficking: Key Updates

The Assam government has reported a significant number of drug-related cases and seizures in the South Salmara-Mankachar district as part of its ongoing anti-drug campaign. With over 250 cases registered under the NDPS Act since early 2023, authorities have seized substantial quantities of narcotics and cash. The Chief Minister highlighted the state's enhanced enforcement measures and collaborative efforts with border security agencies to combat drug trafficking. Additionally, various rehabilitation centers are in place to support those affected by substance abuse. This article delves into the statistics and initiatives shaping Assam's fight against drugs.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 10:32 IST

Significant Drug Seizures in Assam

South Salmara–Mankachar Police destroyed seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances worth Rs 5.92 crore on July 12, 2026 (Photo- @SSalmaraPolice/X)

Guwahati, July 14: The Assam government has reported to the Assembly that from January 2023 to June 2026, a total of 251 cases have been filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in the South Salmara-Mankachar district as part of its anti-drug initiative.

In response to an inquiry from Congress MLA Md Mohibur Rohman, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma detailed that there were 71 NDPS cases in 2023, followed by 53 in 2024, 76 in 2025, and 51 cases recorded up to June this year.

During this timeframe, law enforcement seized 3.61 kg of heroin, 131.24 kg of ganja, 2.79 lakh tablets and capsules, 3,383 bottles of cough syrup, and cash exceeding Rs 6.77 lakh in the district. The total estimated market value of the confiscated drugs was over Rs 20.53 crore.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the Assam Police has intensified the enforcement of the NDPS Act through consistent raids, seizures, and arrests throughout the state. To combat cross-border drug trafficking, enhanced surveillance and patrolling have been implemented along sensitive interstate and Indo-Bangladesh border routes, with collaborative operations alongside the Border Security Force (BSF) and other agencies.

Additionally, the state is executing the Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan, which includes awareness campaigns in educational institutions and communities.

The Drugs Free Assam App, introduced in December 2021, has garnered 585 complaints, resulting in the seizure of drugs valued at over Rs 2.90 crore and the apprehension of 30 individuals in 16 NDPS cases.

The Assembly was also informed that 61 detention orders have been issued against habitual drug traffickers under the PIT-NDPS Act, and properties worth Rs 19.26 crore belonging to these traffickers have been frozen under the NDPS Act.

Regarding rehabilitation efforts, the government stated that Assam operates six de-addiction and rehabilitation centers managed by the Assam State Anti-Drug and Prohibition Council, along with 16 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) run by NGOs across 12 districts. There are also three Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) Centres located at AIIMS Guwahati, LGB Regional Institute of Mental Health in Tezpur, and Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, in addition to eight district de-addiction centers operated by NGOs.

Furthermore, the government reported that drug-related crimes over the past three years were primarily noted in Dhemaji, Dima Hasao, and Jorhat districts. Jorhat documented eight cases in 2023, six in 2024, five in 2025, and two cases until June 30 this year, while Dhemaji and Dima Hasao each recorded one case during the same period.