Assam Launches Statewide Drug Disposal Initiative

Inauguration of Drug Disposal Program

Guwahati, July 12: The Assam government initiated a comprehensive drug disposal program on Sunday, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma leading the launch of the state's first specialized narcotics incinerator at an event in Doulasal, located in Nalbari district.

The incinerator, supplied by the Union Home Ministry, is set to be utilized over the next ten days for the systematic destruction of seized narcotics valued at ₹472.51 crore, as stated by the Chief Minister during a press briefing at the event.

In a symbolic act, the Chief Minister personally operated a road roller to crush a significant quantity of confiscated drugs.

The drugs being incinerated include approximately 60 kg of heroin, 38,000 kg of ganja worth nearly ₹190 crore, along with methamphetamine, Yaba tablets, cocaine, morphine, cough syrup bottles, poppy straw, and other narcotic substances.

Sarma highlighted that over the past five years, Assam Police has confiscated narcotics worth ₹3,227 crore and filed around 3,300 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

He remarked, "Annually, we seize drugs valued at nearly ₹1,000 crore and apprehend numerous individuals involved in the trade. Many have faced convictions and imprisonment. The public destruction of seized drugs is crucial as it conveys a powerful message to society and those engaged in the narcotics trade."

The Chief Minister pointed out that Assam has increasingly become a transit hub for narcotics originating from Myanmar, which pass through neighboring northeastern states before reaching West Bengal and other regions of India.

"Combating drug trafficking and smuggling requires more than just inspections. We need intelligence, advanced technology, and robust inter-state collaboration. The masterminds often operate from abroad, utilizing multiple layers of agents and sub-agents," he added.

When asked if fencing along the India-Myanmar border could help reduce drug smuggling, Sarma acknowledged that while fencing could deter illegal crossings, it is not a comprehensive solution to the narcotics issue.

"Drugs can be transported using drones or other innovative methods. Fencing serves as a physical barrier, but the battle against drugs extends beyond that. We require technological advancements and stronger enforcement mechanisms," he stated.

As part of the statewide initiative, district police units also conducted drug destruction operations at various sites.

In Tamulpur, police destroyed narcotics valued at ₹71.92 lakh, including 87.868 kg of ganja, 6,855 intoxicating capsules, and 2.832 grams of brown sugar during a disposal event in Barkhata.

In Biswanath district, authorities eliminated seized drugs worth nearly ₹86 lakh at the Panibharal police outpost, which included around 163 kg of ganja and 18.5 grams of heroin recovered from various cases over the past year.

This initiative follows recent discussions in the Assam Legislative Assembly, where members from various parties expressed concern over the escalating drug crisis and called for more stringent measures against trafficking networks.