Shillong, Jun 26: On the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment towards realising the vision of a drug-free Meghalaya.
Observed under the global theme ‘Break the Cycle #StopOrganizedCrime’, the programme underscored the need for a united, whole-of-society approach to combat substance abuse and dismantle the networks that fuel the drug menace.
The government is addressing the problem of drug abuse by implementing prevention strategies in educational institutions, alongside the MPOWER Project for youth development.
Present at the programme were senior government officials, representatives of civil society organisations, rehabilitation centres, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma remarked, “We are here to tell all of you just two things: number one, we are here to thank you for what you are doing, and number two, we are here to support you in whatever way possible, and also we want to listen to you.”
He called upon every citizen to become a stakeholder in the movement for a drug-free Meghalaya and stressed that meaningful change can only be achieved when communities actively participate in the fight against drugs.
The Chief Minister also informed that a government delegation comprising six officials had undertaken a study visit to Colombia to understand internationally recognised models of addiction treatment and recovery. Insights from the visit have contributed to the establishment of the Centre for Evolution, a pioneering initiative aimed at providing comprehensive rehabilitation and long-term recovery support. The 25-bed rehabilitation facility will be operated at Reid Chest Provincial Hospital, providing comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery support for individuals overcoming substance dependence.
Dr Sandawiat D Lyngwa, a psychiatrist at MIMHANS Shillong, delivered a session on ‘Prevention, Early Intervention and Treatment: Breaking the Cycle of Substance Use Disorders’.
She emphasised the importance of strong family support, positive parenting, quality education, early identification of substance use and timely intervention. She also encouraged individuals and families seeking assistance to avail support through the toll-free helpline 14410.
As part of the programme, the CM distributed token cheques to A’chik Welfare Society (AWS), Tura; The Bridge Society, Nongstoin; Lam’ti Foundation, Laitkor; Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly (SELDA), Jowai; and Dream Solace – A Centre for Hope & Recovery, Shillong, towards strengthening post-rehabilitation services for those who have completed rehabilitation and need community and peer support, especially for those who have been shunted or ostracised by the community as a result of the stigma attached with drug usage.
Sangma also launched the Recovery Track Portal, a digital platform designed to strengthen coordination between rehabilitation centres and improve the monitoring and support of individuals on their recovery journey. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between the DREAM Mission, Social Welfare Department and SEWA Inland for the operationalisation of the SEWA Inland Rehabilitation Centre at Tura.
