A Drug Trafficking and Substance Abuse Awareness Campaign was conducted at the Conference Hall of Police Baptist Church Wokha, on 28th August 2026, with the objective of sensitising students and the public on the dangers of drug abuse, trafficking, and tobacco consumption.
The programme was organised by DEF Wokha/Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in collaboration with Wokha District Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, and District Tobacco Control Unit. A total of 80 participants attended, including 65 students and 15 other members. Students from Santsuo School, Wokha, and Unit Regimental School, DEF Wokha, took part in the event.
Addressing the gathering, Additional SP Wokha and Nodal Officer, ANTF Wokha, Biren Lotha, highlighted issues relating to drug trafficking, substance abuse, major drug hotspots, and inter‑state drug movement. He urged students and the community to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing the spread of drug‑related activities.
District Welfare Officer, Wokha, C. James Ezung, spoke on the different types of drugs, their effects, and the meaning of drug abuse and intoxication. He encouraged students to confide in trusted elders and seek help when facing difficulties, stressing the importance of the approach “Refuse, Resist and Report” in combating drug abuse.
Tshopeu Khutsoh, Psychologist under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), DH Wokha, sensitised participants on the harmful effects of tobacco. She explained the two broad forms of tobacco use smoking and smokeless and noted that India is among the world’s major tobacco producers, with around 274 million users globally. She warned of the serious health consequences, including oral cancer, and reminded students of legal restrictions on tobacco sales to minors and near educational institutions. Students were informed about the availability of free treatment for tobacco dependence at Dr. Motsuo Memorial Hospital, Wokha, encouraging those struggling with addiction to seek professional assistance.
An interactive session allowed students to raise questions and engage with the resource persons. During the interaction, Biren Lotha also emphasised the importance of cleanliness, personal hygiene, and healthy lifestyle habits, urging students to cultivate discipline and good practices.
The programme was chaired by Richard Lotha, Assistant Teacher, URS DEF Wokha, while Kuhlhi Khape, OC, Police Station Wokha, delivered the vote of thanks. As part of the initiative, on‑the‑spot medical testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis was also conducted.
(DPRO & IA, Wokha)
