GUWAHATI | The Assam government on Sunday launched its first scientific drug disposal programme with the inauguration of the state’s first dedicated narcotics incinerator, marking a significant step in its anti-drug campaign.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the facility at Doulasal in Nalbari district and announced that seized narcotics worth Rs 472.51 crore would be destroyed over the next 10 days through a scientifically monitored process.

The incinerator, provided by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, is the first of its kind in Assam and will be used for the safe disposal of narcotic substances seized by law enforcement agencies across the state.

Speaking to reporters after the launch, Sarma said the stockpile slated for destruction includes around 60 kg of heroin, nearly 38,000 kg of ganja valued at about Rs 190 crore, as well as methamphetamine, Yaba tablets, cocaine, morphine, poppy straw, cough syrup bottles and other prohibited substances.

In a symbolic gesture highlighting the state’s anti-drug drive, the chief minister also took part in the disposal exercise by driving a road roller over a quantity of seized contraband.

Highlighting the scale of enforcement efforts, Sarma said Assam Police has seized narcotics worth Rs 3,227 crore during the last five years and registered nearly 3,300 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

“Every year, we have seized drugs worth nearly Rs 1,000 crore and arrested numerous persons involved in the trade. Public destruction of seized drugs sends a strong message both to society and to those engaged in narcotics trafficking,” he said.

The chief minister noted that Assam has increasingly become a transit route for drugs originating from Myanmar and passing through northeastern states before reaching markets in West Bengal and other parts of India.

He stressed that combating the drug trade requires more than routine checking and enforcement operations.

“Drug trafficking cannot be stopped merely through checking. Intelligence gathering, technology and strong inter-state coordination are essential. The masterminds often operate from outside the country through multiple layers of agents and sub-agents,” Sarma said.

Responding to questions on the proposed fencing of the India-Myanmar border, the chief minister said physical barriers could help check illegal movement but would not be sufficient to stop narcotics trafficking.

“Drugs can be transported using drones and other innovative methods. Fencing is only one component; the fight against drugs requires technological solutions and stronger enforcement mechanisms,” he added.

As part of the statewide disposal programme, district police units also destroyed seized narcotics at various locations.

In Tamulpur district, police disposed of narcotic substances worth Rs 71.92 lakh, including 87.868 kg of ganja, 6,855 intoxicating capsules and 2.832 grams of brown sugar.

Meanwhile, in Biswanath district, authorities destroyed seized drugs worth nearly Rs 86 lakh, including around 163 kg of ganja and 18.5 grams of heroin recovered in different cases over the past year.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over drug trafficking in the Northeast. During the recent Assam Assembly session, legislators across party lines called for stronger measures to tackle the narcotics trade and dismantle trafficking networks operating in the region.