Bihar CM launches month-long campaign against drug abuse

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. File

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday (October 27, 2026) launched a month-long campaign against drug abuse, calling for intensified public awareness and strict action against narcotics trafficking.

The campaign, organised by the Prohibition, Excise and Registration Department, will run up to November 26.

Addressing the launch event at Adhiveshan Bhawan in Patna, the Chief Minister said the campaign must reach every household, because "public participation is essential to building a healthy and drug-free Bihar".

In a statement, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said that 282 kg of charas was seized in Bihar in 2024, which rose to 400 kg in 2025. Heroin seizures increased from 42 kg to 65 kg during the same period, while 77 kg of opium was seized in 2025, it said.

CM Choudhary directed officials to intensify public awareness in urban areas and organise street plays, community meetings and panchayat-level awareness programmes in rural areas.

At the event, the Chief Minister administered an oath to officials and participants to abstain from intoxicants, spread awareness and help curb drug trade.

He praised his predecessor Nitish Kumar for "taking the momentous decision" of prohibiting liquor consumption, storage, sale and supply through a 2016 law in Bihar.

"At that time, the state's budget size was around Rs 55,000 crore. Despite this, public interest was prioritised without worrying about revenue. I congratulate former chief minister Nitish Kumar for this decision," CM Choudhary said.

He said the newly launched campaign would contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's goal of making the country drug-free by 2029.

Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Prohibition, Excise and Registration Minister Madan Sahni and other ministers and senior officials attended the programme.