Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma drove a road roller to destroy seized narcotics and psychotropic substances on Sunday [1].

The event serves as a public demonstration of the state's commitment to curbing drug trafficking and narcotics use across the region [1].

The disposal took place at the 14th Assam Police Battalion in the Nalbari district [2]. During the ceremony, Sarma operated the heavy machinery to crush the illegal substances as part of a broader state-level drug disposal program [1].

Reports on the exact value of the destroyed narcotics vary slightly between sources. One report said the value was over ₹472 crore [1], while another cited a more precise figure of ₹472.51 crore [2].

Sarma used the occasion to signal a hardline approach toward the narcotics trade. "We’ll be ruthless," Sarma said [1].

The initiative aims to eliminate the risk of seized materials leaking back into the community and to deter traffickers through high-visibility enforcement. The use of a road roller highlights the physical destruction of the contraband, a method intended to show the finality of the state's seizure operations.

“"We’ll be ruthless."”

The use of a road roller for drug disposal is a performative act of governance designed to project strength and zero tolerance. By personally operating the machinery, the Chief Minister is shifting the narrative from administrative seizure to active destruction, signaling to both the public and trafficking networks that the state intends to physically erase the illicit supply chain.