The Chinland Council will cooperate with Indian authorities to oppress illicit drug trafficking in the six Chin State townships along the India–Burma border, according to the Secretary of Chinland Council.

“Trafficking of narcotics and illicit drugs has spread in Tedim, Tonzang, Thangtlang and Paletwa Townships. It has also spread in the Rihkhawdar border town and in Falam Township. The Chinland Council has decided to work with partners to stop this illicit trade,” Salai Paul, the Secretary of Chinland Council, told Khonumthung News.

Salai Paul said that in addition to a rise in trafficking the cultivation of poppies has increased along the India–Burma border. The Chinland Council has decided to focus its efforts on ending the trafficking and cultivation of illicit drugs in the border area in line with existing laws.

Salai Paul said that the Chinland Government will also cooperate with officials from India’s Mizoram State and other relevant organizations to oppress narcotic and illicit drug trafficking and cultivation in the India–Burma border area.

“Recently, drug traffickers have started using Burmese Internally Displaced People for their trade. The Chinland Council and Chinland Government will take strong action against trafficking organizations and individual traffickers according to our existing laws and regulations,” Salai Paul told Khonumthung News.

The Chinland Council released a statement on 18 March to announce that the Chinland Council, the Chinland Government and local administration teams will cooperate to take strong action against narcotic and illicit drug traffickers, heroin producers and poppy growers in Chin State.