Seized drugs being destroyed at Central Young Mizo Association office in Aizawl on July 14. (NNN Photo)
Over 1,500 people died of drugs since 1984, says YMA
Newmai News Network
Aizawl | July 15
Different types of drugs worth Rs 91 lakh were destroyed by Mizoram Social Welfare minister, PC Lalthanliana at the Central Committee office of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) at Tuikhuahtlang in Aizawl on July 14. The destroyed drugs were seized by 6th batch of Supply Reduction Service (SRS), the anti-drug squad constituted by the Central Committee of YMA or Central YMA.
Speaking on the occasion, PC Lalthanliana lauded YMA for its effort towards curbing drugs menace in the State. He also called for the concerted efforts to combat the growing drug abuse in Mizoram. The minister said that the State government has framed 'The Mizoram Drugs Control and Substance Abuse Act' to curb the growing menace. The State government has been taking massive efforts to spread awareness among school children and college students about reduction in supply of drugs, he added.
Also speaking on the occasion, Central YMA president, Vanlalruata expressed unhappiness over the growing rate of substance abuse in Mizoram. He said that a large number of youth in terms of thousands are affected by various banned drugs. The YMA leader then urged the government, civil society organizations and churches to come forward for a combine effort to curb the growing drug menace in Mizoram.
Convenor of Supply Reduction Service, Peter Chakchhuak in his report said that the anti-drug squad has, between February and June this year, seized over 2.7 kgs of heroin, 12 strips of ADDNOK, 12 kgs of ganja and 5920 tablets of AP, among others. The anti-drug squad also seized 13 kg of gold bars worth Rs 4.16 crore during the same period.
According to Chhakchhuak, at least 772 people were arrested in drug related cases, of which 40 people were sent to rehabilitation centres, 25 people handed over to Excise department, and 3 to police between February and June this year.
As per YMA leaders, more than 1,500 people have died due to drug abuse in Mizoram since 1984 when the first drug-related death was detected in the State.
The main killer drug in the State was spasmo proxyvon followed by heroin. Over 2080 people are affected by drugs and are currently lodged at several rehab centres in the State, they said.
According to Baseline Survey on the Extent & Pattern of Drug use in Mizoram released last year, 86.6 per cent of drug users were jobless, while 635 (24.1 %) were divorcees.
