Aizawl, 1 November 2026 (Zoram News): Mizoram Police will deploy four specialised battalions from Monday as the state steps up its campaign against drug trafficking under the second phase of Operation Jericho, aimed at preventing the entry and movement of narcotic substances ahead of the festive season.
The renewed operation, known as Operation Jericho-2, will involve personnel from the 1st and 3rd Battalions of the Mizoram Armed Police (MAP), the 1st India Reserve Battalion and the 5th India Reserve Battalion. The respective district Superintendents of Police will supervise the campaign in coordination with civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Intelligence-led enforcement, closer coordination among law enforcement agencies, intensified border vigilance and public participation will form the key components of the renewed crackdown.
Operation Jericho Records Seizures Worth ₹843 Crore
Operation Jericho was initially launched on September 1, 2025, through a joint initiative involving Mizoram Police, the Excise and Narcotics Department and the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA).
During its first phase, police personnel were deployed in 22 villages along the India-Myanmar border in Champhai district to curb drug smuggling and disrupt trafficking networks. The operation was conducted in coordination with district police, Village Defence Parties (VDPs), local YMA branches and other civil society organisations.
By March 31, 2026, when the dedicated deployment in the 22 villages was withdrawn, authorities had seized narcotic substances valued at approximately ₹391.95 crore. During the same period, 203 cases were registered and 298 people were arrested, according to police figures.
The withdrawal of the special deployment did not bring the operation to an end. District police continued enforcement activities using their existing personnel to maintain pressure on drug trafficking networks.
As of October 26, 2026, the cumulative results of Operation Jericho had reached 447 registered cases, 663 arrests and seizures of narcotic drugs valued at approximately ₹843.47 crore.
Public Cooperation Sought
With the festive season approaching, authorities are seeking to reinforce enforcement efforts and prevent traffickers from using Mizoram as a route for the movement of illegal drugs.
Police have appealed to members of the public, civil society organisations, YMA branches and VDPs to remain vigilant and promptly share information about drug trafficking, peddling and other narcotics-related activities with the authorities.
The renewed operation places emphasis not only on intercepting illegal drugs but also on identifying and dismantling the networks responsible for trafficking across the state.
The effectiveness of the campaign will depend on sustained enforcement, coordination among agencies and continued cooperation between the police and local communities.