Tamil Nadu Governor in Assembly address flags drug issue, announces new force

Addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday (June 18, 2026), Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar stated that drug availability had become a serious concern in the state over the past few years. He said the previous government had not taken adequate steps to address the problem.

“The primary cause of the breakdown of law and order in Tamil Nadu has been the widespread availability of drugs. This government will work diligently to create a drug-free Tamil Nadu. To this end, the government has ordered the formation of a Special Drug Prevention Force in every district. It is taking all necessary measures to completely eradicate the movement and sale of drugs,” the Governor said in his customary address to the Assembly, which began with the rendering of Tamil Thai Vaazhthu.

Before the Governor’s address, members of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the principal Opposition party, raised slogans inside the Assembly premises, calling on Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to comment on the law-and-order situation in the state, which they described as poor.

Closure of liquor outlets

The Governor also said the government had closed 717 retail liquor outlets located within 500 metres of places of worship, educational institutions, and bus stands soon after assuming office, citing public welfare concerns.

“Stringent rules will be framed and enforced to completely eradicate the movement of illicit liquor and the illegal sale of liquor, while ensuring tighter regulation of the sector. Through these measures, malpractices in excise administration and liquor distribution will be curbed, and the socio-economic environment of the State will be restored,” he said.