Urgent Action: Meghalaya Government’s Bold Initiative to Combat Drug Crisis Affecting 10% of Population

As Meghalaya approaches 2025, the state faces a severe drug abuse crisis, with reports indicating that around 10% of its population—or about 3 lakh people—are involved in drug use. Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh highlighted that the crisis largely affects young people aged 15 to 29, with an alarming prevalence rate of up to 30% in this group. In response, the state government is advocating for a specialized court to address cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Discussions are underway with Meghalaya High Court to set up this court.

To combat the escalating drug problem, Meghalaya has also launched a pioneering initiative: the Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) police station, led by Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, and staffed with 30 personnel. This establishment marks a significant step in the state’s comprehensive strategy against drug abuse. Recent years have seen considerable efforts, including the seizure of 42.758 kg of heroin and 13,521 kg of cannabis and opium, alongside cash and arms. Despite these efforts, the state grapples with a low conviction rate, with only 25 convictions out of 653 drug-related cases over five years, mainly due to the heavy caseload at traditional police stations.

In addressing these challenges, the ANTF police station is intensively training its officers in the NDPS Act through mock trials with prominent lawyers to enhance case-handling skills. Additionally, the ANTF has the authority to freeze bank accounts and assets of accused drug dealers and plans to approach the Supreme Court if bail is granted to offenders. Beyond enforcement, the state government emphasizes rehabilitation. New detoxification and rehabilitation centers are under development to provide specialized treatment, acknowledging that incarcerating drug users without care could be life-threatening due to withdrawal symptoms. An official stressed the urgency: “We can’t just take drug users from the streets and throw them into jails—withdrawal symptoms may take their lives. We need rehabilitation and detox centers as fast as possible.”

Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/north-east/10-of-meghalayas-population-affected-by-drugs-govt-paves-way-for-reform-1562822
Category : North East,Featured
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Publish Date: 2024-12-30 17:40:00