Ziro, a tranquil valley in Arunachal Pradesh known for its rich Apatani culture and scenic beauty, is now battling a growing drug crisis that threatens its youth and community fabric. Over the past few years, there has been a steady rise in heroin trafficking and substance abuse cases in the area. The issue has become so severe that Ziro is now frequently in the news for drug-related arrests and seizures. In one of the biggest recent busts, in February 2025, two individuals from Ziro- were arrested at the Banderdewa check gate with 150.70 grams of heroin during a CRPF-assisted operation. This was followed by several other incidents. In April 2025, a 50-year-old woman was caught with 17.2 grams of heroin in a rented apartment in Ziro. Just days later, on May 1, a man was arrested at the Kardo gate while attempting to smuggle in 23.5 grams of heroin. Another peddler was also caught on April 28 near Medical Colony with the same quantity of heroin.
According to data provided by Ziro Police in 2023, a total of 37 drug-related cases have been registered in the last few years, leading to 97 arrests. Among them, 60 were outsiders, while 37 were locals. What’s more alarming is the involvement of some police personnel in these cases, exposing internal corruption and a serious breach of public trust. While these arrests and seizures indicate that law enforcement is active, they also reveal the extent to which drug networks have infiltrated the region.
In response to this growing menace, community organizations, youth groups, and local NGOs have intensified their fight. Campaigns like “Mission Zero‑Drug Ziro” have been launched to spread awareness among young people. Awareness programs are regularly conducted in schools and colleges, and several community resolutions have called for the full implementation of the state’s “Nasha Mukt Yojana.” One of the key demands from civil society has been the establishment of a rehabilitation centre in Ziro to help drug users recover and reintegrate into society. However, despite repeated appeals, such a facility is yet to be set up, and many addicts fall back into the same cycle after being released from custody.
The problem is further complicated by widespread access to drugs through online platforms and unregulated borders. Many believe that Ziro’s isolation, once its strength, has now made it vulnerable to silent trafficking routes. In an online forum, a user pointed out that opioids have become the “main cash crop for insurgents in Northeast India,” and even hinted that corrupt officials are part of the supply chain. Such sentiments, though difficult to verify, reflect the growing frustration and distrust among the public.
As of mid-2025, Ziro’s fight against drugs is at a critical point. The rising numbers in arrests and seizures show that the crisis is not only ongoing but expanding. To effectively tackle this issue, a comprehensive strategy is urgently required- one that goes beyond arrests. It must include fast-tracked legal processes to ensure conviction, the immediate setup of rehab centres, stronger anti-corruption mechanisms, drug education at all levels of society, and the empowerment of village-level monitoring committees. Only then can Ziro hope to protect its youth and preserve its identity as a land of peace, resilience, and culture.
