Drug trafficking in Nagaland estimated at Rs 50,000 cr annually: DIGP (CID)

Morung Express news 
Kohima | November 28

In recent years, transportation of drug in Nagaland is spiking, and as per rough estimate money involved in drug trafficking maybe in the tune of Rs. 50 thousand crore every year, DIGD (CID) Dr KPA Ilyas has highlighted. 

The Nagaland Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGD), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) PHQ was speaking as the as resource person on the topic, “NDPS Act vis-a-vis conviction rate and strategy to control drug menace in the context of Nagaland” during Constitution Day organised by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) on November 26 in Kohima. 

Although there is no conclusive study to confirm the increase in drug use in Nagaland in recent years, he emphasised that, from a law enforcement perspective, it is “sensibly increasing but may not be very alarming.” 

“We do not however know how far it is increasing at this rate due to lack of studies,” he pointed out. 

For instance, the DIGP highlighted that drugs originating from Myanmar pass through Manipur, then reach Dimapur, before moving on to Guwahati, Bihar, Delhi, and eventually spreading internationally.

Despite the risk involved, people continue to commit such crime because for the traffickers, it is a business, “a commercial activity which garners them huge amount of money,” he said. 

“It is a humongous amount of money which can suck in their entire system and twist it. It affects the society, the whole political system and affects the whole system…,” he added.  

According to some estimates, Dr Ilyas stated that the money flowing into Nagaland from drug trafficking could be around Rs 50,000 crore annually, and this amount may increase ten-fold by the time it reaches Delhi, and a hundred-fold in the international market.

However, he noted that, despite such cases, a positive aspect is that, unlike in many other regions, the police have rarely received intimidating calls from politicians, armed groups, or individuals claiming that those involved in drug trafficking are affiliated with their parties or groups.

“There is complete and total convergence of interest in the society,” he added, terming it a “profound blessing.”

In the context of Nagaland and law enforcement agencies, the DIGP maintained that while the concerned agencies are generally able to apprehend the ‘agents’ transporting drugs, it is much more challenging to catch the major financiers or key individuals involved, making the network highly complex and layered.

The person arrested may not even know the individual who supplied the drugs; they would only be aware that a vehicle was involved in transporting and transferring the drugs, he added.

To the credit of the Nagaland Police led by the DGP, Dr Ilyas commended that the police have been able to arrest and put behind bars “some big shots” who are controlling the business, though many are still roaming free. 

While drugs like opium and heroin were previously well-known, today substances like “shan-flower” and other synthetic drugs are gaining popularity, and these are equally harmful, he added. 

Another aspect, Dr Ilyas highlighted, was how the drug user also gets woven in the fabric. 

A person who becomes involved in drug use often develops an increasing demand for more, and in many cases, they eventually turn to selling drugs—not only to support their own habit but also to earn a significant amount of money, he noted. 

This is a key concern to address in the long term, considering the ongoing prevention measures aimed at controlling drug trafficking, he added. 

To this end, the DIGP said that combating the drug menace is a collective effort, not solely the responsibility of law enforcement.

He further urged the public to view addiction as a disease rather than criminalising or condemning addicts, while pointing out that, as per the NDPS Act, individuals who voluntarily seek rehabilitation are legally entitled to do so without obstruction.

He also called for a collective effort from all agencies as each has its own impact.

“Police frisking vehicles does not get the job done. But police asking for the hand of the public in reporting transport of drugs or activities related to drugs is not to trouble you but to assist the law enforcement agencies,” the officer clarified. 

In Nagaland, the community plays a very strong and important role, he elaborated. 

Dr Ilyas also expressed optimism in the fight against illicit drugs, noting that there is currently no opposition to the enforcement of the NDPS Act.

In addition, he urged public action regarding the harmful effects of drugs, stressing the importance of educating the masses, particularly the youth.

In this connection, he emphasised that mobilising students and youth for a movement, educating them against drug use and peer pressure, could significantly change the trend. 

A strong community, he added, plays a key role in keeping people away from drugs.