Provisions to implement PITNDPS Act invoked first time in 25 years
Shillong, Sep 9: The state government is going all out against the drug traffickers and determined to eradicate the drug menace in the state, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh told the assembly on Tuesday.
“We are going hammer and tongs. We are pursuing the fight to contain, control and I am confident we will also be able to fully eradicate the menace,” Lyngdoh said while replying to a query.
VPP leader Ardent Basaiawmoit and suspended VPP legislator from North Shillong Adelbert Nongrum raised the question expressing concern over the alarming increase of drug addicts and people with HIV in the state.
Highlighting the government’s action, Lyngdoh said 603 NDPS cases were registered, 1,069 accused persons arrested, and large quantity of contrabands seized in the past five years.
“The police department has also prioritised timely disposal of seized drugs. On January 23, 2025, narcotics from 56 cases were destroyed at the Star Cement incinerator at Lumshnong including cannabis, crystal meths and cough syrups,” he added.
Citing a recent case, the minister said within a span of 10 days, narcotics worth of Rs 4 crore was seized from Jaintia Hills and Rs 1 crore from Shillong.
Seeking active cooperation from public representatives in tackling the menace, the minister pointed out that only Nongrum was present from VPP during a recent meeting chaired by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong to discuss the issue.
He said he would want presence of MLAs from Mawlai and Mawrynkneng constituencies, where the problem has become a very pronounced, in such meetings.
Meanwhile, the minister highlighted that after 25 years of the passage to PITNDPS Act in the Parliament in 1988, the incumbent state government has invoked provisions of the Act.
“Today as we speak, there are 5 repeat offenders, who are serving detention in jails,” he said.
He mentioned that the Act enables the authorities to attach the property or freeze bank accounts of accused or their family members.
Informing about formation of the dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) police station to investigate NDPS and PITNDPS cases, he said 12 ANTF units were created under the supervision of respective Superintendents of Police to ensure localised actions against drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the government has also laid importance on rehabilitation and awareness in combating substance abuse.
There are 12 existing rehabilitation centers in the state, including one integrated rehabilitation center for addicts at Mawdiangdiang, supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The government has also collaborated with different departments and NGOs to create awareness on substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.
Altogether 62 NGOs have been granted aid to carry out anti-drug campaigns, reaching out to over 15,639 individuals.
The government has signed an MoU with the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses for training teachers as master trainers to be implemented by the education department.
