250 cases registered, 485 arrested in 5 years in EK Hills
Shillong, Sept 24: Whether it means a worsening scenario of drug trafficking or increased police crackdown on it, East Khasi Hills district that includes Shillong city has witnessed an increase in the number of cases of drug peddling and arrests of accused drug peddlers / traffickers.
Between 2019 and April 2024, a total of 250 cases have been registered, resulting in the arrest of 485 individuals in East Khasi Hills district.
However, despite the rise in drug menace in East Khasi Hills, the police remain committed to combating drug-related crimes in the district, said Sylvester Nongtnger, the district superintendent of police (SP) on Tuesday.
Refuting claims that law enforcement has been inactive leading to the rise in drugs cases, he said significant progress has been made in tackling drug-related crimes in recent years.
According to the SP, 52 drug-related cases were registered in 2019 leading to the arrest of 92 persons.
The figures in the following years: 28 cases and 45 arrests in 2020, 26 cases and 48 arrests in 2021, 46 cases and 114 arrests in 2022, 71 cases and 133 arrests in 2023. This year, 27 cases have been registered and 53 people arrested till January, the SP said.
The police have seized substantial quantities of narcotics during this period, including more than half a ton of cannabis, over 2 kilograms of opium, Yaba tablets, and other intoxicants.
The arrested accused mostly included drug traffickers, drug dealers, and several of them are currently under trial.
Meanwhile, the SP dismissed claims that the police are only targeting small-time drug dealers, emphasising that their primary goal is to apprehend traffickers operating from behind the scenes.
On the issue of destroying confiscated drugs, the SP said a drug disposal committee is tasked with ensuring proper destruction of seized narcotics.
Following legal proceedings, disposal of drugs by incineration takes place two to three times in a year at a designated location in Lumshnong.
Admitting challenges in combating drug menace, the SP pointed out that gathering of reliable sources is key to crackdown on drug trafficking. “Checking every vehicle for drugs is a mammoth task and could be perceived as harassment of the public,” he said.
