Mizoram saw 118 drug deaths in 2025, highest in 20 yrs: Govt data

Aizawl: At least 118 people lost their lives to drug abuse in Mizoram during 2025 — the highest number of drug-related deaths recorded in the state in the past two decades, according to data from the excise & narcotics department and the police.Officials said victims included 100 males and 18 females, aged between 14 and 57 years. Most of the deaths were linked to the consumption of mixed drugs, while heroin abuse alone claimed around 40 lives.The figures were highlighted during a case review meeting of the excise & narcotics department held in Aizawl on Friday. The meeting, chaired by commissioner Z Lalhmangaiha, was attended by senior officials, Assistant Commissioners from various districts, and officers-in-charge.During the review, officials also assessed the scale of drug seizures made in 2025. The department confiscated 45.341 kg of heroin, 226.607 kg of ganja, 1.193 kg of opium, 298.973 kg of methamphetamine, and 48.061 kg of crystal meth.In addition to narcotics, large quantities of over-the-counter drugs, including cough syrups and painkillers, were also seized.The data underscored the growing challenge of drug abuse and trafficking in Mizoram, even as enforcement agencies intensify their crackdown on the illicit trade.