State emerging as a drug distribution centre: EKH SP

A Reporter

SHILLONG, June 26: East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) Davis Nestell R Marak on Tuesday said that Meghalaya is slowly emerging as the heroin distribution centre of the country.

Marak was speaking as the chief guest at the function organized to observe International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2018 at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong.

According to the East Khasi Hills police chief, with Shillong as the transit point, many players, some with militant background or affiliations are involved in the drug trafficking business to fund their anti-social activities. “The rise in petty crimes in some areas has also been attributed to the growing numbers of drug users, particularly among the youth, who commit such crimes to satiate their cravings,” Marak said.

Expressing concern over the fact that most traffickers come from low income families or those with a history of broken homes, the East Khasi Hills, SP stressed on the need to pay more attention to the youth and urged all stakeholders to work hand in hand with the police to curb the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Marak also informed the gathering that in its continued efforts to curb the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the police department, beginning this week, is also organising a week long awareness programme in different localities, schools and colleges.

Meanwhile, Dr Arvind Nongpiur, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry Department, NEIGRIHMS, Shillong while highlighting the perils of drug abuse, stated that in most cases the use of illicit drugs begin at an early age. “The inquisitiveness to experiment or succumb to peer pressure often leads adolescents to use drugs thereby preventing them from leading a healthy and productive life,” Dr Nongpiur said.

Stressing that drug abuse is no longer considered just a social problem, Dr Nongpiur said today drug abuse is accepted as an illness and with proper medical intervention, drug addiction can be treated.

The programme was organised by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills, Shillong in collaboration with Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong, KJPA New Hope De-addiction Centre, Shillong and other stakeholders.