Shillong, Aug 20: Five drug dealers who are repeat offenders have been slapped with year-long detention orders and have had their bank accounts frozen, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh informed today.
Speaking to reporters, the minister revealed that between August 2024 and August 2025, the government has cleared detention orders against five repeat offenders under Section 31 of the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITSNDPS) Act. This provision allows the state to detain repeat offenders for up to one year.
Those detained include: Pynhoi Nongtdu of Thadlaskein, West Jaintia Hills (detained July–Aug 2024), Hubert Lamphrang Paliar of Mawiong Pyndengrei, Nongstoiñ (detained Jan 2025), Rintu G Saikia of Nongrim Hills, Shillong, Marwill Nangbah of Mookyndeng, Jowai and Aisha Khatoon alias Pahari of Lower Paltan Bazar, Shillong.
“These cases were examined by a three-member advisory board headed by a retired Chief Justice and, following their approval, the detention orders were issued. If these offenders resume their trade after release, the government will strike back,” Lyngdoh asserted.
The minister further said that the government has frozen the bank accounts of the detained traffickers, including those of their immediate families, to choke financial networks linked to the drug trade. He cautioned that anyone providing shelter or accommodation to drug dealers will also be prosecuted under the PITSNDPS Act.
Meanwhile, the state government will reward Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) personnel for their part in a seizure of nearly 1kg of heroin in East Jaintia Hills recently.
Three women were arrested on August 17 after 961.33g of the drug were recovered from their possession as they transited EJH on their way to Shillong. The value of the heroin was pegged at Rs 4 crore, making it one of the biggest seizures ever.
“In recognition of their exemplary work, I will personally hand over cash incentives and certificates to ANTF personnel under the DREAM Mission, for braving all odds to track down and capture the culprits, who are now in police custody,” Lyngdoh said today.
Calling for public cooperation, Lyngdoh urged citizens to immediately alert the ANTF if they come across known traffickers. “We are processing a few more cases for detention, and once cleared by the advisory board, the government will continue updating the public,” he added.
