Govt working on 2-pronged strategy to eradicate drug menace: Tynsong
Shillong, Oct 8: The fight against drugs in Meghalaya had a symbolic momentum with riders from state police on Thursday embarking on a 3200-km ride as part of the National Motorcycle Rally 2026.
The ‘Fight Against Drugs’ rally will culminate at Ekta Nagar, the site of the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, on October 31.
Flagging off the rally, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong said the ride underscores the commitment of the Centre and states to tackle the drug menace.
He said besides riders from Meghalaya, the team includes riders from Mizoram and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) as well.
“I am very sure that your journey will demonstrate the seriousness of both the Central Government and the State Government in taking a holistic approach to fight against drugs,” he said.
He said Meghalaya has intensified its anti-drug operations with a dedicated task force and a twin strategy of enforcement and rehabilitation.
“We have already created a dedicated team headed by the SP, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). We are making every effort to fight against the supply of drugs, while also providing facilities to counsel and rehabilitate those who have fallen trap to this dangerous addiction,” Tynsong said.
He also called for prayers for the safe journey of the riders.
“I call upon the entire Meghalaya police force to jointly pray for our riders so that they reach their destination safely…,” he said.
Two pronged strategy
In his address, Tynsong said the state government is working on a war footing to eradicate the drug menace with a two-pronged strategy of cutting supply chains and rehabilitating addicts.
Admitting that drug-related incidents continue, Tynsong said the government has put a strong mechanism in place after launching a dedicated mission operation.
“We already constituted a very strong team with different departments like Social Welfare and other related departments and now we are on the job,” he said.
Outlining the challenges, he said, “When you talk about drugs, there are two issues only. One is we have to identify and plug the holes of supply and second one is rehabilitation for those addicts… this is not only a one-day affair.”
“We need to send them to rehabilitation centres and give them counselling and ultimately it takes a lot of time for them to even recover,” he added.
Tynsong said police have created a dedicated ANTF unit which is actively seizing drug consignments entering the state.
He said tackling the menace requires close coordination with neighbouring states and beyond as narcotics are trafficked across borders.
“We are trying our best to make sure that this operation will ultimately be successful,” he added.
Calling for community partnership, Tynsong said, “We also need to take part in this process right from the parents, children, the community and even the government. We need to have a very close partnership among ourselves.”
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and inform family or neighbours when venturing out late at night.
“We need to partner with the government to overcome and also to make sure that this criminal activity is totally stopped,” he said.
Transfer of ANTF SP
Meanwhile, Tynsong defended the transfer of the SP of ANTF, saying it was done as per due process and assured that it would not hamper any anti-drug operation.
“Transferring of officers is done according to the real issue of the functioning of the officers. It is not that because I want Mr. A, B, C…,” he said.
