Guwahati: The Assam government on Sunday launched its first statewide scientific drug disposal programme, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurating the state’s first dedicated narcotics incinerator to destroy seized drugs worth Rs 472.51 crore over the next 10 days.
The incinerator, installed at Doulasal in Nalbari district and provided by the Union Home Ministry, will be used to scientifically dispose of seized narcotics across the state.
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the programme, Sarma said the consignment includes around 60 kg of heroin, 38,000 kg of ganja valued at nearly Rs 190 crore, besides methamphetamine, Yaba tablets, cocaine, morphine, cough syrup bottles, poppy straw and other narcotic substances.
The Chief Minister also participated in the disposal exercise by driving a road roller over a large quantity of seized contraband.
Sarma said Assam Police has seized narcotics worth Rs 3,227 crore over the past five years and registered around 3,300 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act during the period.
“Every year, we have seized drugs worth nearly Rs 1,000 crore and arrested numerous persons involved in the trade. Many have already been convicted and imprisoned. Public destruction of seized drugs is important as it sends a strong message to society and to those involved in the narcotics business,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Assam has increasingly emerged as a transit corridor for narcotics originating from Myanmar and routed through neighbouring northeastern states before reaching West Bengal and other parts of the country.
“Drug trafficking and smuggling cannot be stopped merely through checking. We need intelligence inputs, technology and strong inter-state coordination. The masterminds often operate from outside the country and work through multiple layers of agents and sub-agents,” he said.
Responding to a question on fencing along the India-Myanmar border, Sarma said it could help curb illegal infiltration but would not, by itself, stop drug trafficking.
“Drugs can be transported through drones or by other innovative methods. Fencing provides a physical barrier, but the fight against drugs goes beyond fencing. We need technological solutions and stronger mechanisms,” he said.
As part of the statewide exercise, district police units also destroyed seized narcotics at multiple locations.
In Tamulpur, police disposed of narcotic substances worth Rs 71.92 lakh, including 87.868 kg of ganja, 6,855 intoxicating capsules and 2.832 grams of brown sugar.
In Biswanath district, police destroyed seized drugs worth nearly Rs 86 lakh, including around 163 kg of ganja and 18.5 grams of heroin recovered in various cases over the past year.
The programme comes days after members across party lines in the Assam Legislative Assembly raised concerns over the growing drug menace and called for stronger action against trafficking networks.