Mizoram Excise & Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar met with officials from the Assam Excise Department in Guwahati on Wednesday to discuss collaborative efforts in tackling the drug menace affecting both states. Originally slated to meet with his Assam counterpart, Minister Hmar instead engaged in a productive phone discussion after his counterpart’s cancellation.
The meeting included Assam Excise Department Secretary Indreswar Kalita, IAS, and Commissioner of Excise Jitu Doley, IRS. Minister Hmar highlighted the issue of heroin smuggled from Myanmar into Mizoram, which is allegedly processed in Assam and rebranded as ‘Bagha Cap’ before being smuggled back into Mizoram. He also pointed out the increasing prevalence of drug smugglers in certain Assam districts.
Assam Excise officials acknowledged Minister Hmar’s concerns and assured that his remarks would be carefully reviewed. Both parties agreed on the need for further meetings to enhance their joint efforts in combating drug trafficking.