Assam Police's War On Drugs Has Many Battles To Fight

Despite Assam Police’s ongoing efforts, drug abuse in the state persists, with high-profile traffickers remaining elusive and addiction rates soaring. Government initiatives appear inadequate in addressing the root of the problem

Despite numerous efforts by the Assam Police to curb drug abuse, the fight against narcotics in the state is turning out to be a never-ending battle. As key players in the drug trade continue to operate under the radar, the government’s proclaimed success in drug busts appears to be merely scratching the surface. The real problem lies much deeper, with the masterminds behind the operations remaining largely untouchable.

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The cross-state and international shipment of narcotics has steadily increased, creating a direct correlation with the rising number of substance abusers in Assam. The only individuals being apprehended are small-time peddlers, typically in possession of minor quantities of drugs. Meanwhile, the primary sources of these substances remain elusive, suggesting a systemic failure in tackling the root of the problem.

Recent media reports have highlighted a disturbing trend: an increase in the number of frequent drug users found dead in public spaces across in Assam, often due to overdoses. These tragic incidents reflect the growing availability of narcotics in the market, despite the authorities' repeated claims of success.

Assam’s Chief Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, Himanta Biswa Sarma, recently provided a report listing the drugs seized in Assam from April 2011 to July 2024. According to the data, there has been a notable increase in drug seizures, but this is only part of the story. As one senior police official told GPlus, “The origin of the source is impossible to hunt down as it is operated from overseas. Even if we bust the ones who are in business, another cartel emerges. Still, we are doing our part to regulate it in the state.”

The truth, however, is that the battle against drugs is far from won. Over the last two years, the Assam Police have indeed intensified their campaign against drug smuggling, seizing large consignments of narcotics including ganja, heroin, speed, YABA, and cocaine. However, these efforts have yet to lead to a significant reduction in substance abuse across the state. 

In Guwahati, the situation has reached alarming levels, with various narcotic substances widely available. Shockingly, the list of commonly abused drugs now exceeds ten different types. Despite Assam Police’s awareness of the situation, their efforts have not resulted in a significant decline in the trade or consumption of drugs.

A particularly concerning trend is the use of courier services for smuggling narcotics. An earlier incident in Noonmati saw a school student apprehended by police while attempting to dispatch 7 kilos of ganja to Delhi. The consignment, repeatedly returned by the courier service, eventually caught the attention of the authorities, leading to an investigation.

In another case, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) busted a cocaine party nexus in Guwahati, arresting four individuals and seizing 65 grams of cocaine. The consignment was reportedly destined for high-profile parties and had been smuggled into the city through a courier service in the Rehabari area. Although the NCB played a crucial role in this bust, such cases highlight the persistence of drug trafficking, fuelled by wealthy individuals willing to pay exorbitant prices to sustain their habits.

In response to the growing drug problem, the Assam government has implemented several measures, though with questionable effectiveness. Among these initiatives is the "Drug-Free Assam" app, launched in December 2021, which allows citizens to anonymously report drug-related activities. So far, 287 reports have been received, resulting in 12 registered cases—an unimpressive figure considering the scale of the issue.

Public awareness campaigns have also been organised across the state to educate students about the dangers of drug use. Monthly NCORD (Narcotics Coordination Centre) meetings are held to facilitate information exchange between various organisations, and anti-drug awareness initiatives are conducted in collaboration with NGOs, teachers, and other community leaders. 

In addition, the government has established four new Regional Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) in Dibrugarh, Bongaigaon, Tezpur, and Silchar to expedite the testing of seized drugs and ensure the swift resolution of cases. A handbook titled "Investigation of NDPS Cases" has also been published to assist investigating officers in securing convictions.

Despite these efforts, the overall impact remains minimal. The government’s approach appears to lack the necessary force and depth to dismantle the well-organised drug networks operating within Assam. As long as the major players in the narcotics trade continue to evade capture, these initiatives will merely scratch the surface.

The data provided by the Chief Minister paints a grim picture of Assam’s struggle with drug abuse. Between April 2011 and March 2016, 1,334 drug peddlers were arrested, with 1,097 subsequently released from jail. From April 2016 to July 2024, the number of arrests skyrocketed to 20,424, yet 17,106 of these individuals were released. These figures reveal a troubling trend: despite the increase in arrests, the majority of offenders are not kept behind bars, allowing the cycle of drug distribution to continue unabated.

The Assam government’s lack of accountability in the face of this crisis is glaring. While the authorities trumpet their successes in seizing drugs and making arrests, they have failed to address the systemic issues allowing the drug trade to flourish. Without a more comprehensive strategy that targets the sources of narcotics and disrupts the supply chains, the state's efforts will continue to yield limited results.

The grim reality is that the war on drugs in Assam is far from over. The government's initiatives, while well-intentioned, are merely the tip of the iceberg. Unless more stringent measures are taken, the future of Assam's youth remains at risk, with the spectre of substance abuse looming large over the state.

If the current trends continue unchecked, the consequences could be devastating, not just for the individuals caught in the web of addiction, but for Assam as a whole. The government must rise to the challenge, not just by intensifying its efforts, but by holding itself accountable for the protection of its citizens. The future of Assam depends on it.

Data of seized drugs in Assam from 2011 to 2024.