SHILLONG, March 6: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to its zero-tolerance approach toward drugs, emphasising its determination to eradicate this menace from society.
While responding to a call attention motion moved by VPP MLA Heaving Stone Kharpran in the Assembly, Tynsong highlighted the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities. He stated that, in response, the police department has enhanced surveillance, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and intensified enforcement efforts to ensure a safer, drug-free society.
He told the House that various initiatives are being undertaken to raise awareness and promote inter-departmental coordination under the Drug Reduction, Elimination, and Action Mission (DREAM) — now functioning under a full-fledged Mission Director.
Tynsong further assured that the government remains resolute in enforcing the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, both in letter and spirit.
“Any individual involved in illegal drug activities will be dealt with strictly as per the law. There will be no leniency in tackling drug-related offenses,” said Tynsong, who also oversees the Home (Police) department.
As part of its ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, the state government recently created the post of Superintendent of Police, Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) and established an ANTF Police Station to oversee the supervision, monitoring, and investigation of NDPS cases.
Additionally, the government has notified the Advisory Board under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988, which will handle the detention of repeat drug offenders in accordance with the law.
According to Tynsong, as of now, three repeat offenders have been detained under the PITNDPS Act, while a proposal for the detention of one more offender is under process.
Referring to the incident raised by Kharpran, Tynsong said that on February 2, police personnel were conducting routine naka checking at Mawryngkneng Tri-Junction when they intercepted a Tata Yodha Pick-up (MZ-01-Z-3654) travelling from Shillong. During an initial inspection, officers found that the vehicle was loaded with sofa sets. However, upon closer examination, police discovered 235 bottles of Royal Stag IMFL (750 ml each) hidden inside the vehicle.
Further searching the green-coloured wooden sofa, officers recovered 10 wrapped plastic packets containing suspected marijuana.
“A thorough search led to the discovery of approximately 10.455 kg of marijuana discreetly concealed within the sofa,” Tynsong informed the House.
Following this, police immediately detained the driver and two occupants of the vehicle and reported the matter to senior officers.
“All necessary legal formalities were observed, and a preliminary field test confirmed a positive result for marijuana,” he added.
