Areca Nut Smuggling Ban to Be Enforced Strictly, Says Mizoram Home Minister

Mizoram – Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga on Monday reiterated that the state government will continue to enforce a strict ban on areca nut smuggling from foreign countries, warning that anyone involved in the illegal trade—including government officials—will face action.

Speaking at a meeting at the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) office here, Sapdanga alleged that some politicians and police personnel have previously been complicit in the trade. He said the government’s crackdown has benefited local areca nut growers, particularly in the Hachhek area of Mamit district.

“Any person involved in areca nut smuggling, whether in active service or a civilian, will not be spared and must be dealt with firmly,” the Home Minister said, adding that opposition attempts to politicize the issue were regrettable.

Sapdanga also announced that the government will intensify ‘Operation Jericho’, the ongoing campaign against drug trafficking and addiction, which was launched jointly by the home and excise departments in collaboration with the Young Mizo Association on September 1 last year.

Highlighting the scale of the problem, he said there are over 10,000 drug addicts in Aizawl alone, making it unsafe for residents to go out at night.

To strengthen law enforcement, the Home Minister announced plans to recruit 200 new police personnel in the next financial year. Currently, there are 4,666 vacant posts in the home department, while 250 newly recruited officers are undergoing basic training.