SHILLONG, JUNE 26: In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, the Customs Department conducted a series of awareness and outreach programs as well as destruction of seized drugs to reinforce its commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking.
Awareness Programmes
During the week leading up to June 26, 2024, the Customs Department conducted a series of awareness programs at Kendriya Vidayalaya GC, Agartala, Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Dhubri and at Govt. Chawnpui High School, Aizawl aimed at creating awareness and sensitizing the students about the dangers of drug abuse, the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and staying drug-free. These programs will include:
Outreach Programmes
The Customs Department held outreach programmes at KRIPA Foundation De-Addiction Centre for Children, Shillong and New Hope De-addiction cum Counselling Centre, Shillong on the 25th and 26th June 2024 respectively. The role and efforts of the Department were highlighted and an interactive session with Dr. Jasmine M Lyngdoh, Clinical Psychologist and Director, Routes, Shillong was also organized, in which the ill effects of drugs and alcohol consumption were discussed alongwith a stress on coping mechanisms and on the methods to help with de-addiction. Indoor and outdoor sports items were also given to the patients to promote their physical well-being.
Destruction of Seized Drugs
In a significant move to demonstrate the zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking, Customs conducted a drug destruction campaign in Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
In the drive, 12.48 kgs Heroin, 45.27 kgs Meth/Yaba Tablets, 5804.78 kgs Ganja and 66728 bottles of Codeine-based Cough Syrups having a total seizure value of Rs. 167.47 Crores were destroyed. This was conducted in a secure and environmentally responsible manner, ensuring that these harmful substances are permanently removed from circulation.
The Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect society from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking. By conducting these awareness and outreach programmes and destroying seized drugs, Customs aims to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and support the global fight against illicit drug trafficking.