Shillong, Dec 31: Meghalaya is grappling with a severe drug abuse crisis, with approximately 10% of its population—around 3 lakh people—reportedly using drugs. Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh revealed that the majority of those affected are youth between the ages of 15 and 29, with the prevalence rate in this group reaching 30%.
In response to the escalating issue, the state government is pushing for the creation of a special court dedicated to cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Discussions are underway with the Meghalaya High Court to establish this court.
The government has also launched a dedicated police station, the Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF), to address the growing drug problem. Led by Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, the ANTF is staffed with 30 personnel and will focus on tackling the state’s drug abuse crisis.
In recent years, law enforcement has made significant drug seizures, including 42.758 kg of heroin, 13,521 kg of ganja and opium, as well as cash and firearms. Over the past five years, 653 drug-related cases have been filed, leading to the arrest of 1,027 men and 134 women. However, the conviction rate remains low, with only 25 convictions due to the heavy caseload at regular police stations.
To improve prosecution efforts, the ANTF is providing specialized training to its officers, including mock trials with prominent lawyers. The police station has also been granted the power to freeze the bank accounts and properties of accused drug dealers, with plans to approach the Supreme Court if bails are granted to those arrested.
In addition to law enforcement, the government is focusing on rehabilitation. Detoxification and rehabilitation centers are being established to provide care for drug users, as incarceration alone could prove fatal due to withdrawal symptoms.
“We cannot simply incarcerate drug users; their withdrawal symptoms could be fatal. Rehabilitation centers are urgently needed,” said an official involved in the initiative.
