SP Kharkrang calls for multi-pronged approach to tackle menace
SHILLONG: With cases of drug abuse on the rise in the city, Shillong is now becoming the end user location for drug addicts.
Speaking to media persons here on Thursday on the menace of increasing drug abuse in the city, East Khasi Hills SP M Kharkrang feared that Shillong has become a transit point for drugs meant for neighbouring districts.
Pointing to the increase of drug peddlers in the city, Kharkrang stated that there is a need to adopt a multi-pronged approach to tackle the menace of drugs by arresting people who are involved in illegal business besides creating awareness in localities especially among youth.
“We find that when people apprehend a suspect, they are not familiar with the correct procedure which is to nab them along with all the seizures. So we are talking to them on the entire procedure since booking the suspects under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, (NDPS) Act depends on how the seizures are made,” he said.
According to Kharkrang, police are also mobilizing their intelligence units and this is the reason why a lot of seizures have been made in the city.
Stating that the localities in the city are concerned over the menace, Kharkrang pointed out the need for larger involvement of civil societies and other agencies to nip the problem in the bud.
When asked how a drug user and drug peddler is differentiated by the police while arresting them along with the seizure, Kharkrang said that the latest trend indicates that drug users themselves become drug peddlers. The drug user usually sells half of the drug which is available with them since they have to sustain themselves.
“If we seize 2-3 grams of drugs, we cannot claim that the person is a drug user,” Kharkrang said.
He also pointed out that it is not correct for the society to ostracise the entire family if anyone from it is found to be a drug user.
“As responsible citizens, we should try to win over the drug users so that it does not discourage them when they try to rid themselves of drugs,” Kharkrang said.
Earlier, Hynniewtrep Youth Council, Mawlai Circle met Kharkrang and expressed their willingness to work with the police to deal with the rising number of drug users in the city.
