Mizoram has launched the second phase of Operation Jericho to strengthen its fight against drug trafficking ahead of the upcoming festive season. The renewed campaign aims to prevent narcotics from entering and moving across the state while targeting networks involved in the illegal drug trade.
The second phase was formally launched on October 30 by Director General of Police (DGP) Sharad Agarwal at a programme held at the police headquarters in Aizawl. The initiative will bring additional police personnel into the campaign, with special attention to districts bordering neighbouring countries.
Operation Jericho Enters Its Second Phase
The Mizoram government has renewed its anti-drug campaign at a time when authorities are seeking stronger enforcement against narcotics trafficking. The second phase, known as Operation Jericho-2, will build on the work carried out during the initial campaign.
According to officials, personnel from the first, third and fifth battalions of the Mizoram Armed Police, along with the first Indian Reserve Battalion, will participate in the operation.
The respective district Superintendents of Police will supervise enforcement activities in their jurisdictions. Moreover, police teams will coordinate with civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders to improve information sharing and strengthen action against traffickers.
The campaign will focus on preventing the entry of illegal narcotics, monitoring their movement and identifying organised networks operating across the state.
Authorities believe that coordinated enforcement and stronger surveillance will help address drug trafficking more effectively, particularly in vulnerable border areas.
Operation Jericho Builds on Earlier Results
The first phase of Operation Jericho began on September 1, 2025. It emerged from a joint initiative involving the Mizoram Police, the Excise and Narcotics Department and the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA).
Initially, the campaign focused on 22 villages along the India-Myanmar border in Champhai district. Police personnel were deployed in these locations to prevent drug smuggling and strengthen local surveillance.
The operation also involved district police, civil society organisations, Village Defence Parties and local Young Mizo Association branches.
This community-based approach helped authorities combine police enforcement with local information and cooperation.
The dedicated deployment in the 22 villages continued until March 31, 2026. During this period, authorities seized narcotics worth approximately Rs 391.95 crore, registered 203 cases and arrested 298 people, according to police figures.
After the special deployment ended, district police continued the campaign using their existing personnel.
Drug Seizures Reach Rs 843.47 Crore
The wider campaign has continued to produce significant enforcement results since its launch.
According to figures released by officials, authorities had registered 447 cases and arrested 663 people as of October 26, 2026. The value of seized narcotic substances had reached approximately Rs 843.47 crore.
These figures cover the campaign’s cumulative progress and extend beyond the results recorded during the initial dedicated deployment.
Furthermore, the latest figures underline the scale of the challenge facing law enforcement agencies in Mizoram. Drug trafficking remains a concern because illegal substances can enter through border routes and move onwards through different parts of the state.
However, officials have indicated that enforcement must go beyond individual seizures. Identifying the people and networks responsible for transporting and distributing narcotics remains an important part of the renewed strategy.
Border Districts to Receive Special Attention
Under the second phase, Mizoram will place particular emphasis on districts bordering neighbouring countries. These areas are strategically important because authorities want to prevent narcotics from entering the state and reaching other destinations.
The enforcement strategy will rely on intelligence-led operations, stronger coordination between agencies and increased border vigilance. Additionally, police will work with local communities to improve the flow of information about suspicious activities.
Rather than focusing only on the transportation of illegal substances, Operation Jericho-2 also aims to disrupt the wider networks behind drug trafficking. This includes identifying routes, monitoring suspicious movements and taking action against those involved in the illegal trade.
The involvement of multiple police battalions is expected to strengthen the state’s enforcement capacity. Meanwhile, district-level supervision will help authorities coordinate operations according to local requirements.
Public Cooperation Remains Important
The Mizoram government has also appealed to residents to remain alert and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. People have been encouraged to promptly report information about drug trafficking, illegal drug sales and other narcotics-related activities.
Civil society organisations, the Young Mizo Association and Village Defence Parties are expected to remain important partners in the campaign.
Their participation can help authorities receive information from communities and identify suspicious activities in areas where regular police monitoring may face practical challenges.
Moreover, public awareness and timely reporting can complement enforcement measures. Authorities will need continued cooperation from residents to identify trafficking networks and prevent illegal substances from reaching local communities.
The renewed campaign also highlights the importance of sustained action against narcotics rather than relying solely on occasional enforcement drives.
Mizoram Steps Up Its Anti-Drug Campaign
The launch of the second phase marks another step in Mizoram’s efforts to strengthen its response to drug trafficking. With additional police personnel, greater attention to border districts and continued community participation, the government aims to build on the results achieved during the first phase.
The latest figures, including 447 registered cases, 663 arrests and narcotics seizures worth Rs 843.47 crore, demonstrate the scale of enforcement activity under the campaign.
However, disrupting trafficking networks will require consistent monitoring, cooperation between agencies and reliable information from the public.
As the festive season approaches, Operation Jericho-2 will place renewed emphasis on preventing the movement of illegal drugs across Mizoram. The effectiveness of the campaign will depend on how successfully authorities combine intelligence, border surveillance and community cooperation to tackle the continuing threat of narcotics trafficking.
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