Aizawl: The Mizoram government is considering extending its ongoing anti-drug crackdown, ‘Operation Jericho’, beyond the deadline set for March.
The campaign was launched to tackle the growing problem of drug trafficking along the state’s international border.
‘Operation Jericho’ was initiated on September 1, 2025, through a joint effort of the state police, the excise department and the Young Mizo Association (YMA). The initiative primarily aims to curb the smuggling of narcotics through the state’s 510-km-long border with Myanmar.
Originally scheduled to run for four months until December, the operation was later extended until the end of March due to the continuing challenges posed by cross-border drug trafficking, officials added.
State Home Minister K Sapdanga on Saturday inspected security arrangements along Mizoram’s southern frontier and visited Zochachhuah in Lawngtlai district, which lies along the India-Myanmar border, to assess the situation on the ground.
During the visit, Sapdanga indicated that the state government is prepared to continue the anti-drug operation beyond March if the circumstances require it, according to officials.
The minister also stressed the importance of strengthening border surveillance and monitoring mechanisms.
“Mizoram government requires a dedicated system to meticulously track individuals crossing the border,” Sapdanga said.
Later in the day, the home minister chaired a review meeting in Siaha with officials and representatives of prominent non-governmental organisations to assess the progress of ‘Operation Jericho’.
“We have already extended the operation until the end of March, and we are prepared to extend it further as the situation demands,” he said.
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Highlighting the impact of the campaign, Sapdanga said that cooperation with local NGOs and the deployment of police personnel at crucial transit points have helped disrupt drug supply routes, particularly along the eastern border areas.
“This is a battle for the survival of our youth. We require the collective strength of the government machinery and civil society. No one is safe from this menace, and we cannot afford to lower our guard,” he added.
