Manipur observes International Day Against Drug Abuse

IMPHAL — Manipur on Friday observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026 with a state-level programme in Imphal, where Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh called for collective efforts to build a drug-free society.

The programme was held at the City Convention Centre, Imphal.

Commissioner of Social Welfare Robert Singh Kshetrimayum and Director of Social Welfare Sheikh Abdul Hakim attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh said that heroin addiction began affecting many young people in Manipur during the late 1970s.

At the time, he said, heroin was prohibitively expensive and largely consumed by people from affluent families, but the situation has since changed.

He claimed that major drug trafficking routes have shifted through Mizoram, while smaller consignments continue to move from Moreh to Churachandpur by road before reaching Kwakta in Bishnupur district for distribution.

Referring to a recent interaction with civil society organisations (CSOs) in Kwakta, the chief minister said that they had informed him that around 70% of young people in the area were involved in drug abuse.

He also said that drug peddlers often allow users to purchase drugs on credit, making narcotics more easily accessible.

According to him, neighbouring areas such as Moirang, Kumbi and Thanga have also become increasingly vulnerable.

He maintained that building a drug-free society requires the collective responsibility of every individual, along with the active participation of local clubs and women's organisations.

In his presidential address, Robert Singh Kshetrimayum said that drug addiction not only affects individuals but also devastates families.