SHILLONG, May 30: In what can be dubbed as good news, the number of drug users in Meghalaya has declined, along with a reduction in drug smuggling into Meghalaya.
DREAM Mission Director Francis Kharshiing stated that both the number of drug users and instances of drug smuggling have decreased to a certain extent. However, he admitted that the drug menace continues to affect Meghalaya, with Garo Hills being significantly impacted.
The Mission Director recently visited Tura and held discussions with stakeholders regarding the issue. It also engaged with an NGO to initiate a rehabilitation centre in Tura, with additional plans to open another in Nongstoin. “Our target is to establish at least one rehabilitation centre and one detox centre in every district,” he said, adding that the state currently lacks psychiatrists.
Considering Kerala produces many psychiatrists, discussions are under way to bring some of them to Meghalaya.
