Assam starts 2-day drive to burn in public drugs worth crores of rupees

The Chief Minister set on fire a portion of the drugs seized by the Assam Police on the occasion.

It may be noted that 11.88 kg Morphine, 2.89 kg Crystal Meth, 3.47 kg Heroin, 102.91 kg cannabis and 2,03,384 numbers of tablets were destroyed in the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that the State government has adopted zero tolerance against drugs as it has adversely affected many families posing a serious threat to the future of the young generation.

He said that though earlier Assam was used mostly as a transit route by drug dealers, gradually it emerged as a big market.

The Chief Minister further said that in spite of strong police action, drug dealers continued to work in connivance with some bad elements within the system.

Considering the nefarious designs of the drug traffickers, the Chief Minister said police have been given full operational freedom within the ambit of law to act firmly and decisively against drug dealers, so that the society can be rid of this menace.

He also said that the amount of drugs seized could be only 10 per cent of what is coming to Assam as drugs that go through Assam and are offloaded here could be more than three thousand crores.

The Chief Minister said that drugs are affecting the social fabric of the state and so there is no question of showing sympathy towards drug dealers.

The CM also said that the government is working to cut the supply network and stop consumption of drugs to save families and the future generation.

The Chief Minister also thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Ministers of Manipur and Nagaland for their support in this fight against drugs. He also appreciated the Assam Police for its act of bravery and selfless service.

The Chief Minister further informed that fulfilling its promise for development of Karbi Anglong, the government has already announced a state university in the budget apart from setting up a commando battalion in the district.

He also said that the government's efforts for an airport at Karbi Anglong is still on.

CEM KAAC Tuliram Ronghang and DGP Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta also spoke on the occasion which was attended by Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Dr. Numol Momin, several MLAs, EMs and MACs of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

Later, talking to media persons, the Chief Minister informed that since the present government assumed office, altogether 874 cases were registered, 1493 drug dealers were arrested and drugs worth Rs. 163 crores were seized in the state.

He said that in the last two months Assam Police seized 19 kg Heroin, 8276 kg ganja, 14 kg opium, 67,650 numbers of cough syrup, 12,93,000 numbers of tablets, 1920 kg morphine, 33,014 poppy straw, cash Rs. 1 crore, foreign currency Rs. 13,630, fake Indian currency Rs. 6.80 lakh and destroyed 31 bigha cannabis cultivation.