M’laya observes Int’l Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
SHILLONG, June 26: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday said the DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission) has evolved from a government initiative into a people’s movement by bringing together communities, institutions and organisations in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Speaking at the state-level observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Sangma said the mission has helped coordinate the efforts of various stakeholders who were previously working independently.
He stressed that tackling substance abuse requires collective action rather than isolated interventions.
The chief minister said the state government’s objective is not only to acknowledge the work being done by organisations and individuals but also to support them and incorporate their suggestions into the state’s anti-drug strategy.
Emphasising the need to involve ordinary citizens, he said the movement would achieve its desired impact only if society at large actively participates.
Sangma also observed that addiction extends beyond drugs, pointing to excessive dependence on mobile phones, screen time and shopping as other forms of addiction. He stressed that everyone may require support at some stage.
The programme concluded with the chief minister administering the anti-drug pledge to the participants.
Addiction recovery centre comes up at city hospital
In what can be deemed a major fillip to Meghalaya’s anti-drug response, a facility—going by the name ‘Centre of Evolution’ and aimed at providing treatment, counselling, therapy and long-term support for individuals battling substance addiction—was inaugurated on Friday at Reid Provincial Chest Hospital, Shillong.
The inauguration formed part of the state-level observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Shillong.
During the programme, financial assistance was extended to organisations engaged in drug awareness, rehabilitation and the reintegration of recovering addicts into society. Recovery Champions, Community Champions and Outreach and Impact Award recipients were also honoured on the occasion.
The event also witnessed the launch of the Recovery Track Portal and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Social Welfare Department, DREAM and SEWA Inland, Tura, to strengthen rehabilitation and community-based interventions.
Technical sessions during the conference focused on disrupting drug trafficking and organised crime, the role of schools in preventing substance abuse and early intervention and treatment strategies for addiction.
The programme also featured awareness performances by DREAM Youth Ambassadors and local musicians.
