The Assam government on Saturday scientifically destroyed narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at an estimated Rs 472.51 crore as part of its sustained campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma oversaw the state-level drug disposal programme as the chief guest. Ministers Jayanta Malla Baruah and Narayan Deka were also present during the destruction of the seized contraband.
The narcotics had been confiscated in various cases across the state and were scientifically disposed of to ensure they could not re-enter the illegal drug market.
The destroyed contraband comprised 39.068 kg of morphine valued at Rs 39.07 crore, 79.770 kg of opium worth Rs 3.98 crore, 0.0471 kg of cocaine valued at Rs 23.55 lakh, 19,02,922 Yaba tablets worth Rs 79.64 crore, 58.877 kg of heroin valued at Rs 117.75 crore, 9.49 kg of poppy straw worth Rs 1.43 lakh, 2,29,449 bottles of cough syrup valued at Rs 22.94 crore, and 37,796.34 kg of ganja estimated to be worth Rs 188.98 crore.
The total market value of the destroyed narcotics was estimated at Rs 472.51 crore.
The state government said the exercise demonstrated its commitment to combating the narcotics menace and preventing seized drugs from finding their way back into circulation. It added that the scientific destruction of the contraband forms part of Assam’s broader strategy to strengthen enforcement against drug trafficking and move towards the goal of a drug-free state.
