Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 20 (HBTV): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday highlighted the state government's sustained crackdown on drug trafficking under Mission #AssamAgainstDrugs, stating that narcotics worth over INR 2,600 crore have been seized and more than 20,000 individuals arrested since 2021.

Taking to social media, CM Sarma said, ‘Since 2021, we have taken a firm stand against the menace of drugs. Under our Mission #AssamAgainstDrugs, we have seized over INR 2,600 crore of various drugs and arrested over 20,000 people to contribute to the overall vision of a #DrugsFreeBharat.’

According to official data, Assam Police registered 12,398 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, arrested 20,293 individuals, and seized or destroyed narcotics valued at INR 2,604.21 crore.

Major recoveries during the crackdown include 553 kg of heroin, 24 kg of crystal methamphetamine, 1.61 crore tablets or capsules, and 12.44 lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup. Additionally, 1.25 lakh kg of ganja, 621 kg of opium, and 3,324 kg of poppy straw were also seized.

Authorities also confiscated cash amounting to INR 6.85 crore during various anti-drug operations.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to making Assam drug-free as part of the broader national goal of achieving a #DrugsFreeBharat, marking four years of sustained efforts under the mission.

As part of the ongoing campaign, CM Sarma stated that heroin worth INR 3.16 crore was recently seized and a drug peddler arrested, demonstrating the government's continued strong action against narcotics.

In a post on X, he said, ‘Based on secret information, @GuwahatiPol intercepted a vehicle en route from Silchar to Guwahati and recovered 395.67 grams of heroin worth INR 3.16 crore and 1 drug peddler arrested. Assam remains relentless in its crackdown on drug networks.’

Earlier, Assam Police carried out two major drug busts in Kokrajhar and Golaghat districts, arresting three individuals and seizing substantial quantities of marijuana and heroin.

(ANI)