The State government will soon implement sections of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic (PIT) in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 to put habitual drug peddlers under preventive detention.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh said that retired high court judge, Justice Shivaji Pandey has consented to be the chairman of an advisory board to implement the sections of the act. He said under the PIT, persons with known antecedents of drug traffickers will have to undergo detention for three months without bail, which can be extended to a year.
Lyngdoh today held a meeting to assess the gravity of drug menace in the state which was attended by senior officials of the police department, social welfare and health departments.
The Minister informed that the state has identified seven districts as hotspots of drug addiction and trafficking, which include East Khasi Hills, East and West Jaiñtia Hills, Ri Bhoi, West Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills.
“These are districts where the incidents of drug abuse have gone sky high,” he said, adding, vulnerable areas in the capital city are Madanrting, Jhalupara, Laitumkhrah, Nongthymmai, Polo, Nongmynsong, Mawlai, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Ïew Mawlong, Mawngap, Mawryngkneng and Pynursla.
“Today the government’s commitment has been renewed and we will go all out, on a war footing to try and eliminate the problem of drug trafficking with all the negative effects it is having on society,” Lyngdoh asserted.
The Social Welfare Minister further informed that the draft Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) has been approved and notified. He said a Mission Director and a team will ensure all the aspects of substance abuse are taken up in structured and mission mode manner. Under DREAM, the government has set aside Rs 5 crore for publicity campaigns and awareness programs by ensuring a holistic approach in tackling the drug problem, he added.
Besides, the government has also decided to strengthen the Narcotic cell which today comprises only three officials to contain and control drug menace.
During the meeting, several loopholes in the existing Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) of 1985 were brought to light and emphasis was laid on the need for the State government to establish comprehensive rules and regulations.
