Meghalaya is facing a serious problem as it is estimated that 10% of its population, or 3 lakh people, fall into the banned drug user category. The government has increased efforts to combat this crisis by reinventing its Anti-Narcotics Task Force, which is an important step in addressing the rising drug trafficking and related crimes in the state.
The state’s social welfare minister, Paul Lyngdoh, recently revealed shocking statistics, highlighting the massive influence of drug use on Meghalaya’s youth, with more than 70% of the population under the age of 35. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has declared a “zero-tolerance” policy on drug distribution and supply, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts by communities and multiple government departments to curb this menace.
ANTF Police Station: A Game-Changer
It has inaugurated its first-ever dedicated ANTF police station, led by Jagpal Singh Dhanoa. It also includes the assistance of an additional superintendent, inspectors, and other personnel. This specialized unit will focus only on drug cases to allow proper investigation with better outcomes.
Establishing a special court in the Meghalaya High Court has been proposed to speed up NDPS Act cases. During the last five years alone, the departments have recovered 42.758 kgs of heroin, 13,521 kgs of ganja, etc. This is also with 653 drug-related cases now registered; only 492 have been charge-sheeted. Merely, 25 convictions have taken place. That’s a sobering statistic highlighting the dedicated work of the ANTF.
A Holistic Approach
This rehabilitation of the drug user population in Meghalaya has been focused on by the government. Multiple rehabilitation centers are to be set up in the state. Families won’t have to go outside Meghalaya for help anymore because of this. Training programs for ANTF officers and mock trial sessions with legal experts are held to enhance the conviction rate.
It also involves freezing the assets of drug dealers and appealing to higher courts in case bail is granted to offenders. Chief Minister Sangma reiterated that solving the drug crisis requires a multifaceted approach, blending enforcement, rehabilitation, and community involvement.