Meghalaya today got a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) police station equipped with modern infrastructure and a skilled team, which serves as a central hub for coordinating anti-drug operations.
The police station established at the Meghalaya Police Radio Organisation Training School in Golf Links was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
The ANTF previously led by a Superintendent of Police and lacking dedicated resources, has now been transformed into a focused unit that will be led by Jagpal Singh Dhanoa. A team of approximately 30 constables, the ANTF can concentrate solely on narcotics-related cases.
Over the past five years, Meghalaya Police have registered 653 drug-related cases, with 492 resulting in chargesheets. A total of 1,161 individuals, including 134 women, were arrested. Significant seizures during this period include 42 kg of heroin, 13 kg of ganja, 3 kg of opium, 129 kg of yaba tablets and other substances, 1, 24,829 bottles of cough syrup, and 378 stolen vehicles. Authorities also confiscated cash and assets worth Rs 95, 81,204 and seized three weapons.
The chief minister said that the government is on a war and a fight against drugs, as the situation is alarming and is having a detrimental impact on the society, especially the youth.
He said that the government is concerned and have taken a collaborative effort through different departments to address the issue the issue of drugs. “Different departments have collaborated to combat the challenges of drug menace, to choke supply chain, distribution network, health concerns, social aspect and overall rehabilitation,” he added.
The chief minister further said that the departments involved are being revamped to tackle this menace and have a humanitarian approach to victims.
He hoped that the ANTF would act as a major arsenal of the law and order arm of the government in its fight against drugs.
The chief minister also urged the community to join hands with the government in its fight against drug menace and play a vital role in the whole battle plan to win the war against drugs.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh emphasised the importance of training and skill development for ANTF personnel. “We will continue to optimise manpower and upgrade skills. Additionally, we’ve acquired a police canine squad with trained handlers, which will significantly enhance our ability to apprehend drug peddlers,” he said.
