In its continued efforts to tackle the rampant drug trade, Nagaland Police has made significant progress in its fight against synthetic drugs and psychotropic substances. As part of its comprehensive approach, the department has launched intensive vehicle checks (MVCP), conducted raids, and increased surveillance at hotels and restaurants to deter illegal drug activities across the state.
The Nagaland Police registered 199 drug-related cases in 2024, with 343 individuals arrested, including major traffickers detained under the PITNDPS Act. The seizures made in 2024 reflect the growing scope of the state’s drug problem, with drugs valued at over Rs 120 crores confiscated. The seizures included 545 kilograms of ganja worth Rs 2.72 crore, 1,010 kilograms of opium valued at Rs 47.5 crore, 15.21 kilograms of heroin worth Rs 53.23 crore, 1.93 kgs of brown sugar worth Rs 7.97 crore, 69 grams of crystal meth worth Rs 4.16 crore, 57794 Yaba tablets worth Rs 2.31 crore, 191956 Synthetic drugs worth Rs 38 lakh and 17290 cough syrup worth Rs 51 lakh.
Continuing its momentum into 2025, Nagaland Police recovered narcotics worth approximately Rs 8.31 crore in just the first two weeks of January. Among the seizures, 2.375 kilograms of heroin were recovered from 203 soap cases, with 18 individuals arrested—14 males and 4 females—across seven newly registered NDPS cases. Four cases were registered in Kohima, and three cases in Dimapur.
The police’s investigation revealed that drug trafficking networks have expanded with inter-state and international links, stretching from Assam to other parts of India.
In response to these escalating issues, Nagaland Police has also issued a call to the public to assist law enforcement by reporting any drug-related activities. The department assures that the identity of informants will remain confidential. The state police’s efforts remain focused on curbing the drug trade and protecting public health and safety through rigorous action.
For tips or reports on narcotic-related crimes, the public is encouraged to contact the nearest Police Station or Narcotics Police Station at PHQ.
Nagaland Police on drug trafficking routes through Nagaland
Meanwhile, IGP (CID) Vikram Khalate, speaking to media personnel at the Police Complex in Chumoukedima on Wednesday, revealed that the drugs seized in Nagaland primarily originated from Manipur, intended for local consumption as well as trafficking to Assam and other states. He also noted that these drug routes extend to states such as Karnataka and Punjab.
Khalate further explained that most of the drugs enter Nagaland through Manipur, where they are distributed locally before being trafficked to other regions. He assured that the police are thoroughly investigating these trafficking networks.
Dimapur Commissioner of Police, Kevithuto Sophie, emphasized that Nagaland has become a key transit point, with drugs coming from Myanmar via Manipur. Sophie outlined how traffickers transport drugs through Manipur and Nagaland, ultimately reaching Assam’s Karbi Anglong district for local distribution. However, there has been a recent shift, with consumers in Dimapur and surrounding areas now sourcing their drugs from locations like Khatkhati, Lahorijan, and Manja in Assam due to increased vigilance within Nagaland.
Additionally, Khalate addressed the methods used by traffickers, highlighting their use of private vehicles with hidden compartments to smuggle drugs.