Worsening drug menace

Drug abuse in Nagaland has emerged as a grave crisis, demanding immediate and sustained intervention. According to the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), Nagaland ranks among the top ten Indian states with the highest number of opioid users and People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). The problem is particularly acute in the northeastern region, with states like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram also witnessing alarmingly high rates of substance abuse. Despite the approval of the Nagaland State Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy in 2016, its implementation remains ineffective, leaving a critical gap in the fight against drug addiction. Earlier, on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in 2023, officials revealed that around 30,000 people in Nagaland are opioid users, collectively spending an estimated ₹550 crore daily on drugs. This staggering figure poses a serious economic and social challenge. Although Nagaland is not a producer of narcotics, it serves as both a key transit hub and a significant consumption center. Drugs like morphine, opium, and brown sugar are frequently smuggled into the state, with Dimapur functioning as the main gateway for these illicit substances. Recognizing the severity of the crisis, the Nagaland government launched the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign to curb drug trafficking and consumption. In 2024, law enforcement authorities seized narcotics and contraband worth over ₹118.83 crore and arrested 343 individuals. While these efforts mark progress, Nagaland continues to be an integral part of a vast trafficking network that links Myanmar, Manipur, and various Indian states.The state’s geographical position makes it highly vulnerable to drug smuggling. Most illicit substances enter India through Myanmar, pass through Manipur, and then travel to destinations such as Assam, Karnataka, and Punjab. Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, K. Sophie, has noted that while increased enforcement has deterred traffickers from directly bringing drugs into Nagaland, the state remains a crucial transit point in the larger drug trade. In response, the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland, has initiated several preventive programs to educate the public about substance abuse. However, the scale of the problem remains overwhelming. The rising number of minors and female addicts underscores the urgent need for specialized rehabilitation centers, yet no dedicated facility for women drug users currently exists in the state. A particularly distressing trend is the increasing use of a low-cost, highly addictive drug known as ‘Sunflower’ (SF), especially among school-going children. This drug, a dangerous mix of opiates and pharmaceutical substances like sleeping pills and painkillers, is consumed by burning, sniffing, or injecting. The affordability and easy availability of SF have made it a preferred choice among young users, exacerbating the drug crisis in Nagaland. While law enforcement agencies continue their crackdown on drug-related crimes, a more comprehensive and long-term approach is essential. Beyond strict policing, the government must focus on rehabilitation, widespread awareness campaigns, and the long-overdue implementation of the Nagaland State Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy. Only through a holistic strategy—combining enforcement, education, and therapy-can Nagaland effectively combat drug abuse and secure a healthier future for its people.