Drug abuse claims 68 lives in 11 months in Mizoram

In Mizoram, 68 people, incl. 11 women, died due to drug abuse in Jan-Nov 2023. Since 1984, 1,804 people, including 218 women, have died due to drug abuse. Highest number of deaths was 143 in 2004. 76.22 kg of heroin seized in Jan-Oct 2023. 148.46 kg of ganja and 78.82 kg of methamphetamine seized. Poll promises including checking drug trafficking and abuse.

GUWAHATI

A total of 68 people have died due to drug abuse in Mizoram between January and November, 2023.

An update by the State’s Excise and Narcotics Department ahead of the formation of a new government said heroin was the main killer of these people, including 11 women.

“The figure may increase by the year-end but the number of drug-related deaths has exceeded the 43 recorded in 2022, which was a marginal drop from 47 in 2021,” a departmental officer said, declining to be quoted.

The first case of drug-related death in Mizoram, a major route for the smuggling of heroin and other narcotic substances from Myanmar, was recorded in 1984. A total of 1,804 people, including 218 women, have died due to drug abuse since then.

Drug abuse in Mizoram reached alarming levels by the turn of the millennium with 139 deaths in 2000. The highest number of drug-related deaths was 143 recorded in 2004.

Checking drug trafficking and abuse was one of the poll promises of the ruling Mizo National Front and other major political parties. The elections to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly were held on November 7.