SHILLONG:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on June 26 informed that about 3 lakh individuals aged between 19-20 are into drugs in the state, with 40,000 plus depending on them.
Sangma said this while addressing the gathering on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organised by Meghalaya Police at U Soso Tham Auditorium on June 26, wherein he pointed that DREAM programme launched by the Social Welfare Department is aimed at tackling this problem in the state
Highlighting about DREAM, Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission, that the Chief Minister had launched earlier, he said that the operational cost for the implementation of DREAM is ten crores per annum which works out to fifty crores for the next five years.
“Different rehabilitation centres and detoxification centres will be established and NGOs will be financially assisted for treatment and rehabilitation and outreach programs,” he said.
He also appealed to the NGOs, religious and academic institutions, community leaders and bodies to make the fight against drug abuse one of their priority agenda.
Sangma while lauding the police, also highlighted action taken by Meghalaya Police in the last couple of years against drug trafficking and numbers, and how police have been able to tackle the issue to a great extent.
The Chief Minister also congratulated all the officials of the police department for their efforts and dedication to stop smuggling and supply of drugs across the state.
On the other hand, Director General of Police LR Bishnoi said the focus now is on creating awareness among the masses, and to make the youths realise the ill effects of drug abuse.
He said that the government has over the last 15 days, the district battalions have conducted 1263 programmes at different areas.
Stating that the problem of drug abuse is complex, Bishnoi said that it will take some time to do overcome the problem of drug menace completely, which will require joint efforts of all departments.
He said that the government’s DREAM project, and the Narco App will go a long way in helping the government tackle the problem of drug abuse in the state.