Indian state of Assam launches drug crime initiative
The Indian state of Assam has announced a major ‘crackdown’ on illicit drug trade, following record levels of drug seizures and drug-related arrests. The chief minister of Assam has given police officers a ‘free hand’ to address drug trafficking, including permission to shoot ‘peddlers’ and ‘kingpins’ if required. In the past 3 months, Assam police have arrested 1,783 people, killed 2 and wounded 5 in relation to drugs offences.