By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 5: Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Friday informed that the police are making concerted efforts to ensure the preventive detention of notorious drug trafficker Aisha Khatoon, alias Pahadi, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act.
Khatoon, a resident of Lower Paltan Bazaar, was arrested on September 25 in Jhalupara by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of East Khasi Hills Police. During the operation, police seized 73 vials of suspected heroin weighing 9.72 grams.
This marked her fourth arrest, with three other drug-related cases still pending trial.
Referring to Khatoon, Lyngdoh remarked, “I would not call Pahadi a woman or lady, as she has been deeply involved in drug trafficking for many years and is involved in numerous cases.”
He credited the state government’s efforts for her current custody. When questioned about the lack of cases booked under PITNDPS in East Khasi Hills, Lyngdoh revealed that seven cases are currently under review.
“We want to ensure that everything is done meticulously so that none of the cases fail due to lack of evidence,” he said.
Lyngdoh also shared that various Dorbar Shnongs from West Shillong have submitted suggestions on constituting Village Defence Parties (VDPs) to assist in the fight against drug trafficking. “We are incorporating those suggestions, and by the end of the year, more VDPs will emerge within Shillong city,” he added.
It may be mentioned that the state government has already established an Advisory Board to implement the PITNDPS, a law designed for habitual offenders, allowing detention of up to two years. So far, two individuals — Hubert Lamphrang Paliar from Mawiong Pyndengrei, Nongstoiñ, and Pynhoi Nongtdu from Nartiang, Thadlaskein West Jaintia Hills — have been arrested under this Act.
