The accused standing in front of the vehicle containing boxes and sacks of seized Spasmo-Proxyvon capsules following an operation by the Dimapur Excise Department along National Highway 29.
• 94,980 Spasmo capsules seized in Dimapur
• YAN seeks sustained crackdown
• Zunheboto flags unlicensed pharmacies
Dimapur, November 9 (MExN): A total of 94,980 capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon was seized and one person arrested by the Excise in Chümoukedima on November 9. According to a press release from the Superintendent of Excise and Prohibition, Dimapur, the catch was made based on intelligence inputs. It said that a mobile vehicle check-post was set up based on the input and a car (NL 07 CB 6670) was intercepted from which the drug consignment was recovered.
Though it was not stated in the release, sources said that the car was intercepted around 5:00 am near Kuki Dolong, NH 29. One individual behind the wheel, identified as Kivika Assumi, a resident of Burma Camp was arrested.
The consignment was reportedly loaded from a location in Assam and headed for Zunheboto when the Excise personnel intercepted the car.
The release said that a case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Further investigation was underway.
Meanwhile, the Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) has expressed concern over the growing reports of drug-related cases and activities in Dimapur, calling for stronger and sustained action from the authorities. In a statement, YAN said the increasing drug menace was "a matter of great concern, particularly because of its impact on the younger generation, families and the overall well-being of our society."
"Drugs are not just destroying individuals; they are affecting families, weakening communities and putting the future of our younger generation at risk," it stated, adding that the "illegal sale, supply and distribution of narcotic substances must be treated as a serious concern that requires immediate attention from the concerned authorities and society as a whole."
YAN appealed to the District Administration and Police Department to take "stronger and more consistent measures against drug-related activities in Dimapur." It called for intensified anti-drug operations, identification of those involved in the supply and distribution of illegal substances, and fair and impartial investigation of all reported cases.
"Anyone found involved in illegal drug trafficking should be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law," the association stated.
At the same time, YAN called for counselling, medical attention and rehabilitation opportunities for people struggling with drug addiction. "Preventing drug abuse and helping those affected must go hand in hand with strict action against those who profit from the illegal drug trade," it stated.
The association also appealed to parents, educational institutions, churches, tribal organisations, civil society groups, youth organisations and citizens to actively participate in awareness initiatives, stating that "the responsibility of addressing the drug menace cannot be left to the Police and Government alone."
YAN further cautioned against limiting the campaign against drugs to temporary operations or isolated arrests, calling for "continuous monitoring, proper investigation, effective prosecution and sustained efforts to prevent the circulation of illegal drugs."
"Our young people are the future of Nagaland, and they deserve an environment where they can grow, study, work and contribute positively to society without being exposed to the dangers of drugs," the statement added.
Zunheboto seeks tighter drug monitoring
At the same time, the District Level Committee (DLC) of the Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD), Zunheboto, reviewed the prevailing drug-related situation in the district during a meeting held at the ADC's office chamber on November 9, under the chairmanship of ADC Shaying Sheu.
One of the major concerns raised during the meeting was the operation of pharmacies without valid licences in Zunheboto town.
During a review of the previous meeting, the committee was informed that a joint inspection conducted by the SDPO, Zunheboto, and the Drug Inspector had covered 17 pharmacies in the town. Of these, 10 were reportedly found operating without valid pharmacy licences. No seizure was made during the inspection.
Expressing serious concern over the findings, the ADC directed the Drug Inspector to immediately verify the status of the establishments and initiate necessary action, including closure of pharmacies found operating without valid licences. He stressed that inspections should be conducted regularly and their findings properly documented, rather than waiting for directions from higher authorities or for untoward incidents to occur.
The ADC also questioned the continued operation of unlicensed pharmacies despite previous inspection drives and called for greater accountability from the concerned officials. He directed the Drug Inspector to ensure that the names of prescribing medical practitioners were properly mentioned on prescriptions and that all regulatory requirements were strictly followed. The competent licensing authority was also expected to ensure that establishments operating without valid licences were dealt with in accordance with the law.
On awareness programmes, the ADC directed the School Education Department to intensify activities among students and the wider community. He cautioned against reducing awareness initiatives to social media posts, stressing that such programmes should go beyond merely posting photographs on social media and focus on meaningful public outreach and sustained awareness.
The meeting also discussed concerns over the alleged misuse and diversion of medicines prescribed under Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST). Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. G. Viholi Sema, informed the committee that inspections had been conducted and concerns had emerged regarding the alleged sale of prescribed medicines by registered beneficiaries. However, no individual had been caught red-handed, and the allegations remained unverified.
The CMO also highlighted practical difficulties faced by OST beneficiaries, particularly those travelling from far-flung areas to access their daily medication. It was informed that the Akuluto centre was following a daily-dose system instead of dispensing medicines in bulk. Zunheboto district currently has 1,150 registered OST beneficiaries, of whom 893 are in Zunheboto town alone.
The ADC asked the Health Department to explore effective mechanisms to strengthen monitoring of beneficiaries and prevent misuse. He stressed the need for proper supervision and appropriate action wherever irregularities were established.
The committee was also informed that the district has only one rehabilitation centre, highlighting the need for greater attention to rehabilitation facilities and support services for individuals affected by substance abuse.
Meanwhile, SDPO Zunheboto, K. Phyolumo Lotha, informed the meeting that police had seized 580 Spasmo capsules and arrested two persons in connection with drug-related cases during October 2026.
The ADC urged departments to move beyond their routine official responsibilities and work proactively with greater coordination and commitment to address drug abuse in the district. He reiterated that sustained enforcement, regular inspections, public awareness, proper monitoring and coordinated departmental efforts were essential to combat drug abuse and safeguard public health and safety.
