SHILLONG, July 25: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that there is a serious threat of drug menace in the North East while banking on states to counter it collectively and regionally. “We are getting a lot of feedback from Manipur and Nagaland and we want to see that the entire network collapse. We can make North East drugs free,” said Sarma, who has initiated a massive crackdown against illegal drugs as soon as he assumed office in Assam.
He said that huge consignments of drugs were seized in Assam, of which some were destined for Meghalaya. “We have come to Jorabat Byrnihat and seized (drugs), so the entire Northeastern region is in serious threat of drug menace so we have to counter that collectively and regionally,” he added.
It may be mentioned that the Commissioner of Shillong Customs had earlier informed that Meghalaya has become a safe haven for international drug syndicates who are using it as a transit route from Myanmar to Bangladesh.
Contraband worth Rs 15-16 crore is seized by the Customs Department annually in the Northeastern region.
The state police had also adopted a two-pronged approach to counter the menace which included organising seminars and meetings at various localities and educational institutions to spread awareness on the ill effects of drugs.