Strengthening Drug Control Efforts in Northeast India

The mountainous route connecting Assam and Nagaland has become a focal point in the battle against drug trafficking in Northeast India. Recent law enforcement actions have led to significant drug seizures, showcasing a robust response to smuggling operations. The collaboration between Assam and Nagaland aims to enhance surveillance and share information to combat drug networks effectively. With advanced technology and community involvement, authorities are working to close the gaps exploited by traffickers. This comprehensive approach marks a new era in the fight against drugs in the region, making it increasingly difficult for smugglers to operate across borders.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:24 IST

Intensified Fight Against Drug Trafficking

Representational Image

Diphu, July 10: The mountainous route connecting Assam to Nagaland has emerged as a critical battleground in the ongoing war against drug trafficking in Northeast India. Smuggling operations are exploiting shifts in drug production from the Golden Triangle region to funnel illegal substances into India. However, recent robust actions by law enforcement indicate a strong counter-offensive.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has reported a surge in drug trafficking activities near the Indo-Myanmar border. Due to its accessibility, Karbi Anglong in Assam has become a pivotal hub for illegal drugs destined for major urban centers like Guwahati and beyond.

Law enforcement has recently achieved notable successes in drug seizures within this region. In one instance, authorities intercepted a vehicle bound for Guwahati, confiscating 3.049 kilograms of high-grade morphine valued at Rs 3 crore.

In another operation, Assam Police dismantled a smuggling network in Karbi Anglong, seizing 10 kilograms of opium worth Rs 70 lakh. The NCB has observed a significant rise in the trafficking of illegal pharmaceutical drugs in Nagaland. Assam leads the nation in the recovery of synthetic tablets, highlighting the interconnectedness of traffickers operating across state lines.

To combat this issue more effectively, the governments of Assam and Nagaland are collaborating closely. In a rare meeting, police chiefs and leaders of anti-drug task forces from all Northeastern states convened to devise a unified strategy against drug trafficking syndicates.

Nagaland's DGP, Rupin Sharma, stated, “Traffickers moving drugs from Mizoram or Manipur into Nagaland will now be subject to coordinated surveillance not only in Nagaland but also in Assam and neighboring states.” This new approach aims to eliminate the loopholes that smugglers have exploited by crossing state borders.

The Nagaland Police are implementing cutting-edge technology, including facial recognition systems, smart cameras, and CCTV installations in urban areas and critical checkpoints near Assam. Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has emphasized a stringent zero-tolerance stance on drugs, increasing police inspections on highways. “In Assam, roads should facilitate development, not drug trafficking,” he asserted, highlighting the deployment of specialized anti-drug units on major thoroughfares.

Beyond police initiatives, the Assam Rifles and the NCB are enhancing their training programs and information-sharing protocols. They are also educating police and field personnel on new regulations to ensure effective drug seizures. Both states are tackling the drug crisis from dual angles: curbing supply and diminishing demand.

Civil society organizations are playing a vital role in this initiative. Large youth rallies, such as recent wellness campaigns in Mokokchung and Diphu, aim to bolster community awareness and deter local drug use.

The measures implemented along the Karbi Anglong-Nagaland route signify the end of isolated border operations. With real-time information exchange and advanced technology in place, cross-border drug traffickers are facing increasing challenges in their operations.