Shillong, Feb 20: Vehicles entering Meghalaya will now undergo high-tech scanning to curb drug trafficking. The state government has approved the procurement of advanced scanner vehicles, equipped with cutting-edge technology to detect narcotics at entry points. Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh announced on Thursday that one such vehicle is already in the procurement process, while another will be stationed near Ratacherra.
“This is a process by which the state government will procure these scanner vehicles, which is part of state-of-the-art technology that will enable the immediate detection of drugs and narcotics whenever they enter the state of Meghalaya. One such vehicle is in the process of being procured for the entry point, and the other, which will be located somewhere near Ratacherra, will also be procured,” Lyngdoh stated.
The minister also revealed that he had given formal approval for the initiative. “We have not worked out the exact location about putting out the first vehicle because we have to ensure that it is spacious enough not to affect the smooth flow of traffic,” he said. The scanner vehicle has been sourced from outside the state.
In a further bid to curb drug trafficking, the government has sanctioned the deployment of K9 sniffer dogs with trained handlers. Lyngdoh emphasized that this measure will be implemented based on the severity of drug-related incidents in identified hotspots.
“We will start with seven K9 sniffer dogs, along with trainers, so I have already approved the proposal, and this will happen sooner. It will be demand-driven, given the intensity of incidents of drugs that occur and hotspots,” he added.
The Drug Reduction, Elimination, and Action Mission (DREAM) under the Directorate of Social Welfare convened a strategic meeting at the State Convention Centre, bringing together All Faith Leaders to combat substance abuse. Mission Director F.G. Kharshiing invited Minister Lyngdoh to the discussion, highlighting the crucial role of faith-based institutions in raising awareness and fostering community-driven interventions.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s vision for a “Drug-Free Meghalaya” positions faith institutions as key collaborators in the fight against substance abuse, working alongside law enforcement agencies and Village Defence Parties. Prevention programs will be integrated into youth initiatives and pastoral care, strengthening grassroots efforts.
Security measures are being enhanced in identified drug hotspots through increased coordination between the Home Department and local organizations to bolster early intervention strategies. Meghalaya is also exploring partnerships with faith networks from other states and countries to implement successful intervention models.
DREAM’s approach includes referral services, connecting individuals to rehabilitation centers and detoxification facilities. The government plans to establish free inpatient detox centers within six months, while outpatient treatment will continue at Shillong and Tura Civil Hospitals. Post-rehabilitation efforts will focus on destigmatization, counseling, skill development, and health awareness workshops to facilitate sustainable reintegration into society. Faith institutions and community leaders will play a pivotal role in these initiatives.
To formalize participation, faith institutions are required to submit intervention proposals to the DREAM Mission Unit. Approved initiatives will receive financial and logistical support, with provisions for Memorandums of Understanding where necessary.
The government has allocated ₹50 lakh for collaborative efforts, with additional funding to be provided based on emerging needs. A structured engagement request form has been introduced, enabling faith organizations to seek support for community-driven initiatives such as awareness campaigns, health checkups, counseling, and vocational training. Through this multi-pronged strategy, Meghalaya is reinforcing its commitment to a safer, drug-free future.