Meghalaya has an approximate 2.5 lakh drug users including injectable drugs and psychotropic substance users.
This was informed by Director General of Police, LR Bishnoi at a programme organised to observe International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today.
According to the Director General of Police, Meghalaya, Dr. L R Bishnoi, drug addicts in India accounts to about 7.3 crore where 1.2 crore are children between the age group of 11-18 years. Of these, 55 lakh are women.
“Looking at the present drug trafficking scenario in the State, due to the close proximity to the golden triangle, Meghalaya has become a major transit point for drug trafficking and this has put authorities on a very high alert to tackle the menace,” he said.
At the programme, the DGP also gave a detailed presentation on the prominent drug trafficking routes in the State and the modus operandi commonly used for trafficking of drugs. He informed that the department has come out with a strategic plan by strengthening of infrastructure and having coordination among all stakeholders, besides frequent operations by law enforcers and organizing multiple awareness programmes in schools, colleges, villages and towns and other activities.
During the past 15 days, Meghalaya Police has conducted a record 142 drug awareness programmes in schools, colleges and other public places across the state reaching out to over 15061 young people, he said.
Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong and Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui attended the programme as guests.
The Deputy Chief Minister expressed concern on the increasing number of drug users among the children and youth in the State and said that children can easily succumb to the pressures of their peers and friends to turn to these intoxicants for comfort. He called on various organisations to eradicate the menace and emphasised on addressing the challenges of illegal drugs so that the youth of the State are protected.
Rymbui stressed on the need to hold drug awareness programmes in schools and colleges. Only when youth have the strength to say “no to drugs,” the purpose of this observation is achieved, he said.
Chief Secretary, Rebecca V Suchiang stressed on the importance to educate young children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse and the need to provide them the emotional support so that they do not develop the need to turn to substance use for comfort. She also appealed to parents, teachers and all sections of society to prioritize support, education and protection of youth against substance abuse and to work together to safeguard their physical and mental health.
Dr. Pakha Tesia, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry) Mind and Wellness Clinic spoke on drug challenges from the health perspective and how to address it while Bryan Wallang, Principal Kiddies Corner HS School, Shillong spoke on Humanitarian Crises in current drug menace.
Other programmes of the day included a skit on drug abuse by Kripa Foundation De-addiction Centre for Juveniles, Mawkasiang and sharing of testimonies by patients of KJPA New Hope De-addiction Centre for Males, Mawdiangdiang and Kripa Foundation De-addiction Centre for Juveniles, Mawkasiang. Audience was also enthralled by songs presented by Neil Umwi and Desmond Rimiki Sun, Meghalaya Police Cultural Troupes and Khaki Vibes.
Another highlight of the day was the felicitation of police officers.
