Sniffer dogs to help check drug menace

SHILLONG: The Police Department has adopted a multi-purpose strategy, including deployment of narcotic sniffer dogs, to deal with the rising cases drug abuse in the state.
An official said the department will use four narcotic sniffer dogs from the Dog Squad K-9 Unit in Shillong. The sniffer dogs are deployed for regular checking for Narcotic Drugs Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) at the District Jails of Shillong, Jowai and Nongpoh.
The official added that the District Anti Narcotic Task Force (ANTFs) and the Narcotic K-9 unit are conducting regular surprise checking of vehicles along national highways as well as in the city and suspected places to prevent illicit trafficking of drugs and driving under the influence of drugs.
According to the official, ANTFs are getting support from traditional heads, especially in areas prone to drug menace.
Moreover, information and intelligence are usually being shared by ANTFs with other Districts of the State as well as areas in state borders and also with other law enforcement agencies.
ANTFs have been set up in all the district headquarters under the supervision of district superintendents of police to check drug trafficking within the state.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Meghalaya, has also been strengthened through procurement or new equipment to expedite the examination of exhibits.
The department is conducting frequent awareness programmes in schools, colleges and public places to raise the societal issue with parents and guardians, the official added.