Kohima: A senior Nagaland police official has revealed that approximately 5,000 members of the state police force are struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. Vesupra Kezo, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Mokokchung, shared the estimate during a Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan awareness event on June 19. With over 20,000 total personnel, the figures suggest that nearly one quarter of the workforce is affected.
Kezo warned that the crisis creates a significant operational risk for the department. He stated, "If we have 5,000 addicts in our department, it will affect our efficiency and capabilities. They will not be able to contribute; rather, they will become a liability to the department." He added that the prevalence of substance abuse in both the force and the broader society requires urgent attention.
While the state police have maintained enforcement efforts through arrests and drug seizures, Kezo argued that law enforcement alone is insufficient to address the issue. He advocated for a collaborative approach involving churches, civil society groups, the Social Welfare Department, and rehabilitation centers. The senior officer emphasized that removing the stigma surrounding addiction is essential to helping personnel recover.
Dr. Madhavi R, representing the district administration, noted that the current campaign focuses on the pillars of awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. She reminded attendees that building a healthy society requires every citizen to participate actively. The event also featured sessions on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and government conduct rules to reinforce the department's commitment to internal reform.
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