DrugTrafficking – Manipur Chief Minister Raises Alarm Over Credit-Based Drug Sales
DrugTrafficking – Drug abuse continues to pose a serious challenge in parts of Manipur, with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressing concern that illegal drugs are still being sold on credit in the Kwakta region despite major shifts in trafficking routes after the ethnic unrest of 2023. Addressing a programme in Imphal on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Chief Minister said changing supply networks have not reduced the accessibility of narcotics for young people.
Trafficking Routes Shift After 2023 Unrest
According to Singh, drug smuggling networks have altered their traditional routes following the ethnic conflict that began in 2023. He stated that a significant portion of illegal consignments is now believed to move through Mizoram, while smaller quantities continue to enter from Moreh along the Myanmar border before reaching Churachandpur through roads developed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
He explained that once the drugs arrive in Churachandpur, Kwakta has emerged as one of the closest distribution points for further movement into the Imphal Valley. The changing routes, he noted, have created new challenges for authorities working to curb the illegal drug trade.
Concerns Over Easy Access to Drugs
The Chief Minister said interactions with civil society organisations based in Kwakta revealed an alarming situation, with local groups estimating that nearly 70 percent of the area’s youth are affected by drug use.
He further highlighted the practice of drug sellers providing narcotics on credit, saying that this system allows users to continue obtaining drugs even when they do not have immediate funds. Such practices, he warned, make addiction more difficult to control and increase the risk of substance abuse spreading among young people.
Singh also pointed out that nearby areas, including Moirang, Kumbi and Thanga, have become increasingly vulnerable due to their proximity to distribution centres.
Sports Seen as a Strong Preventive Measure
Recalling his own experience as a sportsperson during the late 1970s, the Chief Minister stressed that sports can play a meaningful role in protecting young people from drug addiction. He said regular participation in sporting activities helps build discipline, confidence and healthy lifestyles, reducing the likelihood of substance abuse.
He observed that while heroin was available during his youth, its high cost meant it was largely limited to affluent sections of society. Over the decades, however, the availability and affordability of illegal drugs have changed considerably, making the problem far more widespread.
Community Participation Essential
Calling for a united response, Singh said the fight against drug abuse cannot be left to government agencies alone. He urged citizens, local clubs, women’s organisations and civil society groups to actively participate in creating awareness and supporting efforts aimed at preventing addiction.
He emphasised that building a drug-free society would require sustained cooperation from every section of the community. Public participation, combined with preventive initiatives and awareness campaigns, would be essential in reducing the impact of illegal drugs and protecting future generations from substance abuse.