Shillong, July 22: Smokers in Meghalaya, especially in East Khasi Hills, beware—lighting up in public could now cost you, as police intensify enforcement under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.

In a concerted crackdown, East Khasi Hills Police—led by Cantonment Beat House and Lumdiengjri Police Station—have booked the highest number of offenders for public smoking and illegal tobacco sales near educational institutions. Enforcement is currently underway in every Police Station, Outpost, and Beat House across the district.

The drive is part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), spearheaded by the Health & Family Welfare Department and the National Health Mission (NHM), Meghalaya.

Authorities emphasize that the campaign is not just about penalising violators—it aims to shift public behaviour and protect children, the elderly, and non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

Health officials noted that tobacco use is a major public health threat, responsible for 40% of all cancers and 90% of oral cancers. Over the past three months, police have issued 1,178 challans and collected ₹99,280 in fines—marking a significant step toward a tobacco-free Meghalaya.

The initiative has received strong support from the public and is being hailed as a timely move for safeguarding community health.

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