In six years, drug menace spreads among children

SHILLONG: Drug addiction is fast spreading in the city and children as young as 12 years of age are getting hooked to psychedelic substances, said city SP Vivek Syiem on Friday.
Syiem, who was addressing a gathering after an awareness rally organised by the KSU Jaiaw circle, said, “Five to six years back, youth who indulged in drugs were usually between the age group of 18-30 years. But it is surprising that presently children below the age of 12 years are addicted to drugs.”
The SP, who is also in charge of the Anti-Narcotic Cell of Shillong Police, pointed out that in the last 10 years, the menace has crept into every locality from a few areas in the city.
Syiem said that most of the drugs are supplied from neighbouring states of Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. The rise in the number of drug addicts has led to a rise in petty crime.
The police officer said heroin is packed in small containers and each costs Rs 8,000.
“Drug addicts will resort to stealing as many cannot afford,” he told the gathering at the programme, which was organised in collaboration with the Khasi-Jaintia Presbyterian Synod Sepngi Urban Mission.
A rally was taken out before the programme. Over 100 students participated in the rally and a street play was performed by students of Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) to create awareness on drugs.