Low price, easy access fuel heroin addiction surge, says official
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2025: Dr A Jayantakumar, Director of State Level Coordinating Agency (SLCA) for drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, has stated that heroin addiction among Manipur's younger generations has surged alarmingly because of its low price and easy accessibility.

He made the statement during an event held at RK Sanatombi Devi College of Education to mark the fifth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Addressing the programme organised by the Social Welfare Department as a resource person, Dr Jayantakumar maintained that official data on drug and substance abuse in India continues to rely on the Magnitude of Substance Use in India survey published in 2019 .

He also stated that a random demographic profile survey conducted in May 2024 among 363 clients at various drug treatment centres in the State found an alarmingly high rate of first-time drug use among individuals aged 14-20 .

Dr Jayantakumar claimed that the rate of heroin use among the younger generation has increased dramatically.

He said that the findings prove heroin is readily available and inexpensive in Manipur, where one gram costs under Rs 600 against approximately Rs 9,000 in other States.

Further stating that the enrolment rate of drug users at de-addiction and rehabilitation centres remains low, he pointed out that enrolment for treatment is particularly low among younger age groups, standing at just 18 per cent in the 16-20 age bracket and 27 per cent in the 20-24 age group.

He attributed the low enrolment rate to the reluctance of most drug addicts to seek treatment, citing social stigma, family issues, and other factors as the barriers.

Stating that many students as young as studying in Class X fall into drug addiction due to peer pressure and curiosity to experiment, the health expert emphasised that the lack of timely corrective action by parents makes the situation worse.

Social Welfare Director Anna Arambam informed that discussions are underway to incorporate a dedicated syllabus on the harmful effects of drug use in schools to prevent students from falling into addiction.

Social Welfare Secretary Robert Singh Kshetrimayum stressed the urgent need for all stakeholders concerned to join hands in demand reduction initiatives to transform Manipur into a drug-free State.

Drug abuse affects not only the individuals concerned but also their families and society at large, he added.

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