By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 16: As the drug menace continues to grip Meghalaya, Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla has called for stringent sentencing of drug peddlers to contain the situation.
Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Shylla, who hails from Khliehriat, said that unless drug peddlers are given strict and exemplary punishment, the drug problem in the state will persist.
Admitting that even larger countries with strict entry protocols are struggling with drug issues, Shylla pointed out that Khliehriat has become a transit route for narcotics, making it particularly challenging to curb such illegal activities. He, however, stressed the need for society at large to come together to eradicate this menace once and for all. He added that many youths currently suffering from drug abuse are still unaware of the long-term harmful effects of drugs.
Asserting that drugs can find their way into Meghalaya through multiple routes, he called for strict monitoring of all entry points to prevent contraband items from entering the state.
Expressing concern, Shylla lamented that East Jaintia Hills has one of the highest numbers of drug users in the state. He further suggested that all entry points, as well as districts sharing borders with neighbouring states, must be equipped with CCTV cameras to keep a close watch on any illegal activities.