Himanta Biswa Sarma Promises Tough Measures To Eliminate Drug Menace In Assam

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday reaffirmed his government's commitment to tackling the drug menace, assuring that stricter measures would continue to be implemented to curb drug trafficking and abuse across the state. Speaking during a discussion in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Sarma said the government remained determined to strengthen enforcement efforts and prevent the spread of narcotics through coordinated action. The chief minister made the remarks during a call attention motion on the subject of a "drug-free Assam."

Referring to police operations against drug traffickers, Sarma said law enforcement agencies are sometimes compelled to take strict action, including retaliatory firing, when faced with dangerous situations. He noted that such measures are taken only under exceptional circumstances and not as a matter of routine. Sarma expressed concern that criticism of police action by some members of the Assembly could adversely affect the morale of security personnel. He said officers resort to force only when they have no other option while carrying out anti-drug operations. According to the chief minister, maintaining public confidence in law enforcement is important as agencies continue their campaign against organised drug trafficking networks.

Addressing claims that the drug problem is concentrated in certain minority-dominated areas, Sarma said the menace affects all sections of society. He stressed that drug abuse is not confined to any particular community or region and called for a collective approach to tackling the issue across the state.

The chief minister also highlighted the cross-border dimension of drug trafficking, stating that investigations frequently trace smuggling routes back to Myanmar. He said Assam is working closely with neighbouring states, particularly Mizoram and Manipur, both of which share international borders with Myanmar, to strengthen surveillance and prevent the movement of narcotics into the region.

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The remarks came as the state government outlined the scale of its anti-drug campaign. During the Assembly proceedings, Minister Pijush Hazarika informed members that 14,823 cases had been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Assam between 2021 and 2025. The figures reflect the state's intensified crackdown on drug-related offences over the past several years.

Assam has launched multiple initiatives in recent years to combat drug trafficking, including large-scale seizures of narcotics, arrests of alleged traffickers and destruction of confiscated drugs. The government has repeatedly described the fight against narcotics as one of its top law enforcement priorities, citing concerns over organised crime, youth addiction and cross-border smuggling.

Sarma said coordinated action among states and central agencies remains essential to dismantle trafficking networks operating across India's northeastern region. He reiterated that the government would continue strengthening enforcement mechanisms while also supporting efforts aimed at preventing substance abuse and promoting a drug-free society.

The chief minister's assurance comes amid continued efforts by the state to tighten border surveillance, enhance intelligence-sharing and improve coordination with neighbouring states. Authorities believe a combination of strict enforcement, regional cooperation and public awareness will be crucial in reducing the availability of illegal narcotics and curbing the drug menace in Assam.

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