Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday said in the last two years as many as 610 people have been arrested in Meghalaya while Drugs worth Rs 300 crore were seized in the state on various occasions.
Talking to Media persons, Lyngdoh said in most cases the trail is on.
On the role of the Government, he said the Government is committed to tackling the menace of Drugs.
The Minister further said the state has a HIV prevalence rate of an alarming 11 percent which is higher than the National average. He expressed concern over the rising number of injecting drug users in the state.
Asked, he admitted that more needs to be done in this regards as he said there is a need for community participation. Further, Lyngdoh informed that the department was seeking suggestions and proposals from all Dorbar Shnongs on how to go ahead in strengthening the VDPs especially in East Khasi Hills is reeling under drug menace.
Paul was talking to the Media at the sideline of a multi-stakeholder symposium in observance of International Day against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 2024″. The program was organised by Government Of Meghalaya Social welfare department DREAM DRUG REDUCTION ELIMINATION & ACTION MISSION in collaboration With The Indian Drug Users’ Forum On the theme, “the evidence is clear: invest in prevention”.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said Meghalaya no longer remains only a transit point for drugs as warned that the menace of drug abuse has now permeated every corner of the state. He warned saying that unless the society comes together the results could be grim just like in Punjab. He urged Meghalaya to heed Punjab’s lessons, emphasizing that the state must act decisively to prevent a similar crisis from taking root.
It may be mentioned that the objective of holding this is to bring together various stakeholders to discuss and address the pressing issues related to drug abuse and illicit trafficking.