Superintendent of Police Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo, has expressed serious concern over the inadequacy of forensic infrastructure in Nagaland, stating that the lone Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Dimapur is insufficient to meet the growing demands of law enforcement.
“There is only one Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Dimapur and [it] is very inadequate,” Kezo said, pointing out that it takes 5–6 months for an FSL report to be delivered. “But the police is mandated to submit chargesheet within 60 days, otherwise they will come out in bail,” he added speaking at the DISHA meeting held on 14 July in DC conference hall.
Kezo explained that the current FSL machine can only process 7–8 samples per day, while the requirement in the state is 15–20. “Thus, it becomes really difficult in our investigation,” he said, highlighting how this delay hampers timely prosecution.
Referring to the enforcement challenges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, Kezo emphasized the urgent need for additional forensic equipment. “To deal with NDPS violators, we need at least 2–3 machines,” he stated.
In Mokokchung district, police have identified two major drug dealers and around 20–30 drug addicts. However, Kezo noted that incarceration alone is not a sustainable solution. “We’re trying to tie them up with deaddiction centres,” he said.
Calling the War on Drugs in Nagaland a “losing battle without community support,” the SP lamented the low number of tip-offs received by the police despite widespread knowledge of drug users and dealers. “The report to the police station about dealers and users is very low despite knowing them,” he remarked, urging citizens to come forward.
Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, also stressed the need for coordinated rehabilitation efforts. He suggested that under the DISHA framework, space could be created for deaddiction facilities in collaboration with the Medical department and encouraged the Department of Social Welfare to support NGOs interested in running rehabilitation programs.
Verma also called upon community organizations to actively participate in preventive campaigns. He urged villages to initiate the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan at the grassroots level and appealed to apex bodies like the Ao Senden to support the movement.