Kohima Police have mapped major drug trafficking routes, but smugglers continue to identify alternative channels to transport contraband, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kohima, Krodi Rhetso, said at a district-level narcotics coordination meeting on October 22, according to a DIPR report.
Rhetso also linked a recent rise in local theft cases to youth addiction, calling for coordinated efforts among stakeholders to address substance abuse and restore a peaceful atmosphere in the district. However, the DIPR report did not provide figures to establish the extent of the reported rise in thefts or its connection to drug addiction.
During the meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner B Henok Buchem at the Deputy Commissioner’s office chamber, Rhetso highlighted seizures of approximately 20,000 Yaba tablets, 302 grams of heroin and 6 kg of opium in separate operations.
The release did not specify when the heroin and opium seizures took place or establish whether the recoveries were linked to any new operations discussed at the meeting.
Rhetso also said the Ministry of Home Affairs had directed that narcotics coordination meetings be held monthly, with minutes submitted to the ministry and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in a timely manner.
The meeting heard from Abou Mere, director of the Kripa Foundation, who outlined psychological and social factors associated with drug addiction, including low self-esteem, depression, personal setbacks, lack of communication and the desire for instant gratification.
Mere called for targeted career guidance and wider awareness programs, noting that substance abuse affected people across socioeconomic groups and professional backgrounds.
Rhetso acknowledged the Kripa Foundation’s role in supporting rehabilitation efforts for law enforcement personnel affected by substance use, including work undertaken in coordination with the Home Department.
The Drug Inspector briefed participants on grassroots enforcement initiatives, including inspections of local pharmacies. The department plans to conduct sensitisation programmes for pharmacies across Kohima to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs.
Participants also reviewed activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and discussed measures to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, enforcement and prevention.
Deputy Commissioner Buchem said the inputs shared during the meeting would help inform a coordinated action plan against substance abuse in the district.