Despite stringent laws being implemented in the state– Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) and Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act (NLTP)– Nagaland has recorded an increase in smuggling of illicit liquor and drugs to the state.
This was highlighted during the programme held at hotel Japfu conference hall to mark the “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” under the theme “Listen First”, organized by Kripa foundation Nagaland.
Speaking as the chief guest, minister of Social Welfare, Kiyanilie Peseyie informed that the cabinet has already cleared the deck for the “Nagaland State Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy” drafted by various departments, NGOs, health and social activists. For this, Peseyie said that the Social Welfare department would act as the nodal agency to coordinate and implement the policy.
While stating that the government was responsible to keep check on drug and liquor menace in the state, Peseyie however maintained that the public could play a major role to counter such issues. Coinciding with the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’, the minister released the state Drug Policy.
Chief secretary Pankaj Kumar (IAS), who was the guest of honor, said government’s policies “are not the final word but statements of intent, where certain issues could be incorporated to make policies function better”.
Data: As per the data, the total number of cases registered in connection with seizure of illicit drugs and liquor for the past five years were shown as– 130 in 2012, 244 in 2013, 309 in 2014, 306 in 2015 and 123 in 2016 (January to May). (See table)
Addressing the gathering, IGP (Crime), I. Toshitsungba Aier (IPS) said it clearly indicated that “when there is demand there will be supply”.
On drug trafficking, he said there were two types/fronts from where it was being smuggled, Eastern sector (Myanmar) and Western sector (Assam).
He said medicinal drugs are being brought by trucks through Assam from Namtola, Tizit, Mariani, Amguri and Bhandari. In the Eastern front, he said drugs are smuggled from Moreh, Thoubal, Imphal, Mao, Maram and Jalukie, Peren. Aier also informed that a new route has started at Tobu, Pangsha and Mimi side.
Cases registered
(Drug and Liquor Smuggling)Year
1302012
244 2013
3092014
3062015
1232016 (January to May)
Seizure of IMFL
46,927 bottles in 2012
99,224 bottles in 2013
74,056 bottles in 2014
1,24,299 bottles in 2015 ]
52,799 bottles in 2016 (January to May)
As per information he said there were mobile laboratories in Myanmar, while cultivation of ganja and opium has increased in Manipur.
Aier highlighted that the usage of opium especially in Mon and Longleng has seen a decline. However, he said Mokokchung, Dimapur and other districts have seen an increase in opium users.
Observing that the percentage of alcohol consumption were high amongst the youngsters, while women drinker were also on the rise, Toshitsungba said not more than 500 wine shops were open along the Assam-Nagaland border for “Naga customers”. He opined that unless NLTP Act is revisited “solution is not nearby”.
On drug menace, he said the issue has become “narco-terrorism”, as most insurgent groups were generating money out of the illegal business.
As India has been fighting the drug menace at the Western front (Afghanistan via Pakistan to Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan) and Eastern front (Golden triangle- Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia), he noted that the ‘Golden Triangle’ was the main production center for South East Asia, that reaches upto Nagaland, goes to Delhi and even Europe and other countries.
Aier said according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report 2014, the total seizures of drugs under the NDPS act were 1035168.07415766.54 Kgs and 175766.54 Liters.
Meanwhile, short speeches were also delivered by former NMA president and Padmashree awardee, Neidonuo Angami and member secretary NSLSA, Nino Iralu.