Shillong, May 16: Authorities have reported that narcotics worth more than Rs 135 crore have been seized in the state from 2023-2026, with over 700 individuals arrested in connection with drug trafficking.
The data was shared during a review meeting on drug reduction, elimination and action initiatives under DRAM Mission chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma recently.
As per records, total of 415 cases was registered and 738 arrests were made to date. A total of 30 kg of heroin, 7325.97 kg of ganja, 22 kg of yaba tablets, and 24.377 kg of crystal meth have been confiscated. Additionally, authorities have seized other psychotropic substances totaling 14.4 kg and 96,231 bottles of codeine cough syrup.
The meeting also reviewed the status of rehabilitation infrastructure across the state, including operational centres and new proposals from various districts under DREAM.
It was informed that several rehabilitation centres are currently functional, while multiple proposals are under examination.
The key challenges highlighted included delays in issuance of Non Objection Certificates (NOCs), land availability constraints, and procedural bottlenecks in establishing new facilities.
Officials informed that work is underway to standardise design templates and implementation frameworks for rehabilitation centres to ensure faster and more consistent execution. It was also noted that rehabilitation services under DREAM are being supported through a combination of government interventions and partnerships with civil society organisations and faith-based institutions.
Officials highlighted continued efforts to strengthen financial investigations in drug-related cases.
A key focus of the meeting was prevention and awareness under DREAM through Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategies. The discussion highlighted expanding outreach through community networks, educational institutions, and local leadership structures, along with the use of QR-based systems to provide confidential access to rehabilitation information and services, aimed at reducing stigma and improving accessibility.
The chief minister stressed the importance of strengthening enforcement through financial investigation and coordinated inter-agency action within the ambit of law. He also underlined the need for structured public communication on enforcement outcomes to improve awareness and deterrence.
He also called for a structured, outcome-oriented plan with defined action points and regular reviews for monitoring the progress of rehabilitation, enforcement, and awareness initiatives under DREAM.
