Aizawl: CM Lalduhoma on Thursday said protecting Mizoram from drugs and guiding youth away from addiction is not only a social responsibility but also an essential task in safeguarding the state and its people.The CM said this while addressing an event organised to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Aizawl. Addressing the gathering, particularly the students, he urged everyone to reject drugs even if they are easily accessible.“Even if drugs are within your reach, do not experiment with them. They are tools of temptation that can destroy your life. Many people begin by trying drugs, believing they will not become addicted, but soon find themselves enslaved by addiction,” he said.He said during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observance in 2024, drug users were commonly seen wandering on the streets of Aizawl and other district headquarters, with such scenes widely circulated on social media.Since then, the CM said, the state govt, civil society organisations, churches and community leaders have worked together to address both supply and demand. Steps include setting up of the security coordination committee, revival of the core committee on drug prevention, implementation of targeted operations, awareness campaigns among students, media outreach initiatives and rehabilitation programmes.As a result of these collective efforts, Lalduhoma said visible street drug abuse has declined and many people have completed rehabilitation and returned to normal life.Lalduhoma said Mizoram’s proximity to regions known for illicit drug production and trafficking makes the state vulnerable.“While law enforcement efforts must continue, it is impossible to eliminate the threat entirely. Therefore, we must develop the strength to refuse drugs even when they are readily available. Experts agree that the best protection against drug addiction is never trying drugs in the first place,” he said.Lalduhoma condemned those who profit from drug sales, saying their actions destroy lives, families and communities.Referring to recent drug trafficking cases, he warned that traffickers exploit trust, friendship and the Mizo tradition of helping others by persuading people to carry packages containing narcotics, leading to arrests and imprisonment.He urged citizens to report any suspected drug peddlers or trafficking activities to the authorities. “If we know or suspect anyone involved in drug trafficking, we must report them. Let them face the punishment they deserve,” he said.The theme for this year’s observance is “Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.
CM Lalduhoma addresses an event organised to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Aizawl
