Aizawl, Aug. 27 -- At least 351 people, including 46 women, have lost their lives in Mizoram due to drug abuse over the past five years, state Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinghlova Hmar informed the assembly on Wednesday.

Responding to a question by opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) member K Laldawngliana, the minister said that between 2020 and August 8 this year, 78 people died of heroin abuse, while 273 others succumbed to multiple drug use. The victims were aged between 19 and 57 years.

The highest number of deaths was reported in 2023 with 76 fatalities, followed by 67 each in 2020 and 2024. From January to August 8 this year alone, 51 people, including seven women, have died of drug abuse, he added.

Among the state's 11...