Aizawl, Oct. 21 -- Mizoram has witnessed a sharp rise in drug-related deaths this year, with 73 fatalities recorded between January and October 16, surpassing last year's toll of 67, according to data released by the State Excise and Narcotics Department on Tuesday.
Officials said that among the deceased, 64 were men and 9 women, with 27 deaths attributed solely to heroin use, while 46 others lost their lives after consuming heroin mixed with other substances, primarily prescription medicines.
The trend, authorities warn, underscores the growing menace of polydrug use-a pattern involving the combination of narcotics with easily available pharmaceutical drugs.
The department's records reveal a grim long-term picture. Since 1984, when Mizo...