Aizawl: Mizoram recorded 2,051 drug-related deaths between 1984 and Oct 7, 2026, while the number of intravenous drug users stood at 12,839 as of Dec 2025, according to data shared by the state excise and narcotics department.The figures were presented by excise and narcotics department joint commissioner Peter Zohmingthanga during a drug abuse prevention campaign at Govt Champhai College on Friday. The programme was held alongside an awareness event on the Mizoram Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.Of the 2,051 drug-related deaths, 1,799 were males and 252 were females.The presentation also cited the Survey Report on Drugs and Children in Mizoram 2022, which found that children aged 10 to 14, including middle school students, had started using cannabis or marijuana.Addressing the programme, excise and narcotics and labour, employment, skill development and entrepreneurship minister Lalnghinglova Hmar urged young people to stay away from drugs and help others do the same.Expressing concern over cannabis use among high school, higher secondary and college students, he called for wider awareness and collective action to prevent drug abuse.Hmar said high demand for and consumption of drugs were among the major factors contributing to substance abuse in Champhai district. He urged students to take responsibility for discouraging drug use among their peers and communities.The programme also highlighted welfare benefits available to construction workers through the Mizoram Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.Hmar said the board was established to provide assistance to workers engaged in construction and related activities. He encouraged students to spread awareness about the scheme among eligible workers.LESDE deputy director H Lalruatliana explained the board’s membership requirements and benefits. He said registration costs Rs 25, with a monthly contribution of Rs 10. Registered members are eligible for benefits including medical assistance, marriage-related support and educational assistance for up to two children.North Eastern Council Secretary Satinder Kumar Bhalla, who also attended the programme, praised the Mizo tradition of volunteerism and community service, known as tlawmngaihna.Referring to the drug-related challenges faced by his home state of Punjab, Bhalla said overcoming drug abuse and other harmful practices was essential for India to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.He also encouraged students to acquire skills that would help them earn a livelihood and create employment opportunities for others.Hmar highlighted Champhai’s tourism potential, saying plans were underway to develop Keilungliah reservoir and that a project had been proposed for the heritage village of Vangchhia.He said tourism could contribute to the local economy by increasing the circulation of money, but stressed the need to sensitise communities to potential challenges from increased visitor arrivals.
