Assam is key transit route for Myanmar drugs, says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

Doulashal: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Assam is being used as a transit route for the illegal drug trade and that there is better synergy among Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and West Bengal in tracing drugs originating from Myanmar.

Assam on Sunday started the destruction of drugs worth Rs 473 crore. In the last five years, Assam has seized drugs worth Rs 3,327 crore.

Police have found that drug peddlers use women and children to carry small quantities of heroin. Drugs are concealed inside plasters on the body.


Sarma said, Assam is being used as a transit route for drugs originating from Myanmar, which come to Assam via Mizoram and Manipur before moving onwards to West Bengal and the rest of India. "We are able to seize just 20% of the drugs moving through Assam. Consumption of drugs is not high in Assam."

Sarma said that, for the first time in Assam, there is consensus among all political parties that the strictest action must be taken against drug cartels. "The Union Home Ministry has provided an incinerator for the destruction of drugs. In the last five years, over 3,333 cases have been filed under the NDPS Act."

Sarma said Union Home Minister Amit Shah is regularly holding meetings with the DGPs, and there is now greater synergy and intelligence sharing. "NCORD meetings are being held regularly. The new government in West Bengal is cooperating in the war against drugs. Border points in Mizoram and Manipur have been strengthened. Erection of fencing along the international border with Myanmar is going to intensify the war against drugs."

He said drug cartels use different methods. "With technology in place, we will intensify our fight against drug cartels."