Police crackdown on illegal tobacco sales, public users
From Our Correspondent
TURA, Aug 11: West Garo Hills has emerged as one of Meghalaya’s most proactive districts in the fight against tobacco use, with police issuing more than 1,000 challans and collecting Rs 1.4 lakh fines in the first half of 2025 under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
The district’s intensified enforcement drive, led by police stations across the region, has targeted public smoking and illegal tobacco sales, especially near schools and in high-traffic public spaces.
Garobadha PIC recorded the highest action with 120 challans and Rs 14,950 in fines, followed by Dalu Police Station with 86 challans and Hallidayganj Police Station with 85 challans.
“Our aim is not merely to penalise, but to protect,” said West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Abraham T. Sangma. “We want to safeguard young people and non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke and unregulated tobacco sales,” he added.
It may be mentioned that the campaign forms part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), implemented by the Health & Family Welfare department, NHM Meghalaya. District police have undergone training and been equipped with Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to sustain both enforcement and public awareness.
Highlighting the health stakes, Dr. Nabneeta D. Mawrie, State Nodal Officer for NTCP Meghalaya, noted, “Tobacco use is directly linked to nearly 50% of cancers. The firm and sustained action by the police is a model of public health leadership.”
Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “Smoking in public was common earlier. Now, people think twice,” said a local vegetable vendor near Tura market. “I feel safer bringing my children here,” the vendor added.