The force’s newly launched police station will act as hub to monitor, coordinate anti-drug ops
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 17: In a step towards intensifying Meghalaya’s fight against the growing drug menace, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Police Station at the MPRO building, Golf Links. The dedicated police station is expected to act as the central hub for monitoring and coordinating efforts to curb the supply and distribution of drugs across the state.
Describing the occasion as a “red-letter day” for the state’s Police department and government, the chief minister said, “This police station will serve as the central point for coordination and monitoring. Apart from the SP in-charge, there will be additional SP, inspectors, sub-inspectors, and constables, equipped with all necessary logistical and IT support.”
He emphasised that the ANTF would specifically target the drug supply and distribution networks, which are critical areas in the fight against narcotics. “We need to hit the supply chain and ensure that our efforts are concentrated. This is an important part of the war against drugs, and the state government, along with central agencies, is committed to ensuring victory in this fight.”
He further added that regular review meetings under the DREAM Coordination Committee will be held which he will personally oversee. These reviews, conducted every one to two months, will focus on inter-departmental coordination and adapting strategies as needed.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, explaining how this step would better the fight against drugs, said a dedicated police station would resolve issues of focus and manpower that previously hindered the ANTF.
“Earlier, the ANTF personnel were also involved in other policing duties such as crime law and order, VIP assignments, and traffic management. This diluted their focus,” Lyngdoh said.
“With today’s inauguration, the ANTF will have its own dedicated team of roughly 30 constables led by the SP, exclusively working on drug-related cases,” he added. Lyngdoh also emphasised the government’s plans to upgrade the force’s capacity with regular training and the introduction of police canine squads, equipped with trained handlers, to effectively detect and intercept drug peddlers.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, DGP Idashisha Nongrang, senior police officials, and other government representatives, underscoring the government’s unified approach to combating drug abuse.
It can be mentioned that in the last five years, 653 drug-related cases have been registered in the state, while 1,027 men and 134 women have been arrested. Of these, 492 cases have been charge-sheeted, and 25 individuals have been convicted. Seizures during this period included 42.758 kilograms of heroin, 13,521 kg of ganja and opium, Rs 95.81 lakh in cash, and three arms.