More centres to follow across state, assures govt
Our Bureau
SHILLONG/NONGPOH, Sep 6: The Meghalaya government has launched a fresh push against the state’s drug menace by opening a counselling hub at Iewduh and pledging that more such centres will follow across the state.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Saturday inaugurated the Good Samaritan-cum-Counselling Centre, calling it a crucial platform to tackle the roots of addiction among young people.
Stating that the Iewduh facility would act as a lifeline for the area’s youths, he noted that the department is working with experienced counsellors and well-wishers who have successfully guided addicts towards recovery.
The government has taken charge of paying the rent, appointing caretakers and extending incentive benefits to counsellors.
Lyngdoh said that the broader aim is to expand the initiative wherever demand arises, ensuring that the impact spreads beyond Iewduh to other affected communities.
For years, Meghalaya has struggled with a shortage of rehabilitation and counselling centres, even as drug abuse tightened its grip on both rural and urban pockets.
The new initiative, officials hope, will mark the beginning of a wider network of support systems that the state has long needed.
Police foil ganja-smuggling attempt, arrest two persons
Ri-Bhoi Police seized almost four kilograms of ganja and arrested two men following an evening operation at Lad Umtrew along National Highway-6 on Friday.
According to reports, the operation was launched after the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), North Khasi Hills district, alerted authorities about the suspected transportation of ganja.
The information was immediately passed on to Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh, who was also present during the raid.
Police said personnel from Umsning Police Station intercepted a Tata Sumo (ML10D5684) at around 5:44 pm while it was travelling from Shillong towards Nongpoh. The vehicle, carrying several passengers, was found to be transporting contraband.
A search led to the recovery of 66 packets of ganja weighing 3.984 kilograms from the bag of one of the accused, identified as Bobystar Kharbani (23) of Pahamsyiem village, who was accompanied by his associate, Patrick Lyngdoh (33) of Mawroh village.
The consignment was reportedly intended for distribution in the Nongpoh area.
Both men were arrested under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and further investigation is under way.