Chinese drug route opens into Assam through Aruchal

*     Task force formed to formulate action plan

*      Panel to profile peddlers, users

*      SPs told to map drug mece in districts

*      Helpline in the offing for sharing information and aiding rehabilitation

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, May 11: As the State's security machinery brainstormed measures to control the growing abuse and trafficking of drugs, the alarm bells grew shriller when it emerged that apart from Myanmar, rcotics are also coming from Chi and entering the region through a new route via Aruchal Pradesh.

So long, it had been believed that the drugs were coming from Myanmar through Mizoram and Manipur.

Alarmed at the growing mece, the State government today constituted a task force to look into various aspects of the problem, even as it asked district superintendents of police to map the areas and collect information on the sources, storage and consumption of such substances in their respective districts.

"The task force will be headed by the Additiol Chief Secretary (Home & Political) and comprise members from the police, NCB, DRI, Health and Social Welfare departments. The task force will try to gather information. The information exists, but lies scattered as of now. Various agencies have different information, but it has not been compiled," Home commissioner LS Changsan said.

The task force will also conduct profiling of drug dealers and users, as well as look into other aspects like rehabilitation of addicts, their treatment, media awareness and other pertinent issues before coming up with an action plan to deal with the problem.

Today's meeting, attended by the police top brass besides officials of other agencies like NCB and NGO representatives and chaired by Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, also mulled setting up of a helpline. "If anyone has any information, they can share it with the police through this helpline. The helpline will also look into the rehabilitation part," an official said.

DGP Mukesh Sahay said the SPs and other agencies have been asked to sustain the ongoing operation against drug traffickers and addicts. "They have also been asked to give importance to the rehabilitation and treatment part," he said.

Meanwhile, the State Home department also reviewed preparations for election counting day.

"Necessary instructions were given to the SPs to ensure that the counting is peaceful. The police in areas where post-poll violence is anticipated have been asked to remain extra alert," the DGP added.

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