By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Number of drug users in the State has gone up several times in recent years with the figure standing at 17,833, according to a recent survey. The number is 33 times the figure of 1999 when the last survey was conducted.
According to the survey conducted by the North East India Drugs and AIDS Care (NEIDAC), Jaintia Hills has the highest concentration of drug users in the State followed by East Khasi Hills. The number has also increased enormously in West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts, the report, “Magnitude of the problems of drug abuse in India” released on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organised by the Social Welfare department in collaboration with the State Police recently, said.
On the other hand, Garo Hills is better off compared to other districts of the State in terms of number of drug users, according to the survey financed by the Social Welfare department.
NEIDAC Director, Toshi Shanglir, said the number of drug users has increased by 33 times since the last survey in 1999 when the number was only 556.
According to the report, most of the drug users, around 30 per cent, are between 10-15 years of age.
Meanwhile, the report also pointed out an alarming rise in drug use among women in the State. Apart from college students, female sex workers, partners and spouses of male drug users are also reported to be abusing drugs.
Expressing concern over the rise in the number of drug users in the State, NS Samant, Principal Secretary, Social Welfare department stressed the need for urgent steps to tackle the drug menace since it would give rise to HIV/AIDS.