Shillong, Feb 4: Meghalaya government is hopeful that installing vehicle scanners at key entry points will help check the flow of illegal drugs into the State.
Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh today said locations for installing the scanners have already been identified and the equipment is in the process of being procured. He said the scanners are expected to reduce the entry of narcotics into Meghalaya, which in turn could lower their availability and demand.
Lyngdoh said once the government is able to control the movement of drugs at entry points, smuggling activities will also come down. He added that no vehicle or individual will be exempt from the scanning process once the system is in place.
He said the government has held discussions with authorities in the Cantonment and 101 Area to ensure coordination, and that regular raids are being carried out in these areas.
Lyngdoh stated that nearly 95 per cent of illegal drugs entering Meghalaya come through the ‘Golden Triangle’ region via Myanmar and Manipur. He said a stable government in Manipur would help improve administrative control and enforcement along the route.
Speaking about the DREAM Mission, Lyngdoh said the programme has helped build cooperation between the government and civil society groups. He said the initiative has improved direct interaction with the public.
He also informed that the government runs a centre at Khlieh Ïewduh where people struggling with drug use receive professional counselling and guidance. According to him, several participants attending these sessions have stopped using drugs.
