With the worsening drug problem in the state and elsewhere, seizures are made by police almost everyday but the cumulative effect of these makes for astonishing statistics.
Within a period of four years, more than 5.5 tonnes of marijuana and 5.7kg of heroin has been seized by the police in Ri-Bhoi, a key gateway for drugs to be sold in Meghalaya as well as transported through the state to other destinations.
To address the growing issue of illegal drug smuggling in the district, the police will engage with all dorbar shnongs in Ri-Bhoi and activate the Village Defence Parties (VDPs) to work collaboratively in combating drug smuggling.
Recent reports indicate a rise in cases of theft within Ri-Bhoi, particularly in the district headquarters of Nongpoh, with suspicions that some of these thefts may be linked to drug users.
In a statement to the media persons, Additional Superintendent of Police Banraplang Jyrwa stated that the district police, in coordination with all local police stations, remain vigilant in their efforts against drug smuggling.
Jyrwa also detailed the drug seizure statistics for the past few years.
In 2021 there were six seizures of marijuana totalling 338.738kg and 0.4764kg of heroin.
In 2022, there were 11 seizures of marijuana totalling 205.198kg and 3.09875kg of heroin.
In 2023 there were 20 seizures of marijuana totalling 31.01kg and 1.96503kg of heroin.
And in 2024, there have been six seizures so far of 4,963.3kg of marijuana and 0.1626kg of heroin.
