As part of its continuing efforts against drug abuse and drug trafficking, the Ri-Bhoi police in collaboration with the health and hygiene cell of Ri-Bhoi College organised a one day awareness programme to sensitise students and local youths on the danger of drugs.
The event was attended by Director General of Police Lajja Ram Bishnoi, who presented brief details and a message to the gathering to encourage them to keep away from drugs.
The programme was also attended by Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Giri Prasad, Assistant SP Ishaan Gupta, Ri-Bhoi College Principal EC Benny and college students, local youths and college faculty members.
Addressing the gathering, Bishnoi informed that Meghalaya had 2.5 lakh drug users up to 2019, with 45,000 of these in Shillong alone and he feared that the number has only gone up since then.
Till date, the police have seized drugs worth more than Rs 124 crore as well as Rs 75 lakh in cash, with many drug peddlers and users arrested.
“Ri-Bhoi district is also one that has witnessed a rise of drug users, which is an alarming situation that needs to be halted,” the top cop said.