Diphu, May 25: The Government of Assam has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking and narcotics abuse in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong over the past few years.
The districts have emerged as key transit corridors for narcotics moving from neighbouring states and the Indo-Myanmar drug network.
The state government has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Authorities have combined aggressive policing, inter-state coordination, stricter enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, intelligence-led operations, awareness campaigns and rehabilitation initiatives to curb the growing menace.
Police Step Up Anti-Drug Operations
One of the most visible steps taken by the Assam government has been the strengthening of police-led anti-drug operations in Karbi Anglong.
Security agencies, including Assam Police, the Special Task Force and district police units, have carried out repeated raids, highway interceptions and intelligence-based crackdowns.
In June 2024, Karbi Anglong Police seized about 845 grams of heroin during an operation in Lahorijan and arrested two persons. Police said the drugs were being transported from an adjacent state through the district.
In another major operation in March 2024, police intercepted a bus and recovered nearly 10,000 YABA tablets weighing more than one kilogram. One accused person was arrested under the NDPS Act.
The crackdown continued through 2024 and 2025.
In January 2024, Karbi Anglong Police recovered 477.21 grams of Tramadol and Sampex+ capsules during an anti-narcotics operation, leading to another arrest.
The Assam government also intensified highway surveillance in Bokajan, Khatkhati, Dilai and Lahorijan. These strategic entry points connect Assam with Nagaland and Manipur.
Police officials have repeatedly said narcotics consignments entering Assam often transit through Karbi Anglong.
Major Seizures Reported
In May 2025, Assam Police intercepted a truck at Khatkhati and seized nearly 4.9 kilograms of morphine valued at around Rs 5 crore. The drugs were allegedly being transported from Manipur through Nagaland into Assam.
Another major seizure in 2024 involved 8.033 kilograms of morphine in Karbi Anglong. It formed part of a larger anti-drug operation worth Rs 48 crore conducted across Assam.
The state government built its anti-drug campaign under the mission “Assam Against Drugs.”
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly praised district police teams for narcotics seizures and publicly highlighted anti-drug operations to build public awareness and deterrence.
In November 2025, the Chief Minister described police action in Karbi Anglong as a “major blow” to drug mafias after multiple seizures involving ganja, morphine and opium valued at more than Rs 31 crore.
The government has also organised public destruction of confiscated narcotics to send a strong message against drug trafficking.
In March 2024, Assam Police destroyed drugs worth more than Rs 94 crore seized during various anti-narcotics operations across the state.
Anti-drug drive leads to large drug hauls. NewsBlaze illustration.
Coordination Strengthened
The Assam government has strengthened coordination between district police forces, intelligence agencies and central security forces.
STF-led operations have increased in sensitive border and transit areas.
In May 2024, the STF apprehended a habitual drug peddler in Karbi Anglong and recovered suspected heroin during a raid.
Authorities have also increased vehicle checks along inter-state highways and established closer monitoring at transit points connecting Assam with Nagaland and Manipur.
Officials believe traffickers linked to larger narcotics syndicates operating in Northeast India frequently use these routes.
Apart from seizures and arrests, the Assam government has pushed for stricter prosecution under the NDPS Act.
In May 2025, a court in Diphu sentenced three convicted drug traffickers to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed fines of Rs 2 lakh each for trafficking heroin, crystal meth and morphine.
The case was linked to a 2022 seizure in Karbi Anglong worth approximately Rs 10 crore.
The judgment was seen as a major step toward creating legal deterrence against organised narcotics trafficking in the hill districts.
Rehabilitation and Awareness
Alongside policing, the government has supported awareness drives in schools, colleges and local communities.
District administrations, social welfare departments and local organisations have conducted campaigns highlighting the social and health impacts of drug addiction.
The judiciary has also emphasised the need for rehabilitation infrastructure.
During the 2025 sentencing of traffickers in Diphu, the court directed the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council to establish a drug rehabilitation centre in Diphu to address rising addiction concerns among youth.
Despite intensified enforcement, authorities continue to face major challenges because of the region’s difficult terrain, inter-state borders and organised trafficking networks operating across Northeast India.
Security analysts note that Karbi Anglong’s strategic location between Assam, Nagaland and Manipur makes it vulnerable to narcotics transit.
The state government has therefore focused on continuous surveillance, inter-state intelligence sharing and rapid-response operations.
Officials maintain that the anti-drug campaign in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong will continue with stronger enforcement, rehabilitation initiatives and public participation aimed at creating a “drug-free Assam.”
