SHILLONG: A fervent call was made to the people of the city on Saturday to stand united in the fight against drug abuse and take up the challenge of making the society drugs-free.
Addressing a gathering during the observation of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Sadar Police Station, East Khasi Hills SP, M Kharkrang urged the parents to be vigilant and responsible towards the wellbeing of their children and also take up the challenge of bringing them back to mainstream lest they trod the wrong path.
“One of the biggest challenges of the District Police today is drug abuse. We have to combat the menace day in and day out. 80 per cent of the accused in theft, burglary, pick pocketing cases are drug abusers,” he said addressing a gathering which included school and college students among others. The EKH SP stated that in today’s age anything can be delivered easily through mobile phone technology, even drugs; and it is the collective responsibility of the society to fight the rising crime.
On the occasion, Melamshuwa Alia, a law student from NEHU spoke on the difference between pharmaceutical drugs and illicit drugs, the evils of human trafficking etc.
Rica Lamar, from Manbha Foundation, stated that drug abuse should be arrested at the earliest.
She also touched base on various issues including the common belief that stern punishment to drug addicts will help check the menace and the role peers play in dragging youths to drug abuse.
“Drug addiction is a very complex issue as there are many factors that need to be examined before coming to a conclusion,” Lamar said.
It may be mentioned that the weeklong observation at the Sadar Police Station concluded on Saturday.
Poster and placard competitions were also held on the occasion.
