City police blames drug abuse for rise in theft cases

SHILLONG: The city police has blamed the rise in drug addiction among people, especially the youths, for the rise in the number of theft cases of late.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration of New Hope Welfare Group, Vivek Syiem, SP (crime) said, “The rise of mobile phone thefts, pick-pocketing, etc., led to several arrests,     in one instance as many as 20 in a day, and following interrogation, the accused revealed that their drug addiction forced them to commit the thefts.”
“The arrival of Amphetamine in the market has increased cases of drug abuse in the State,” he added.
Syiem, who is also the officer in charge, Anti Narcotic Task Force, also revealed that heroin has replaced cannabis as a hugely marketable drugs in recent years. He observed that the families and localities need to work hand in hand with the police to bring about a change in society.
New Hope Welfare Group consists of reformed alcoholics.