Shillong, June 12: Paul Lyngdoh, minister incharge of social welfare on Monday informed that the government of Meghalaya has identified different districts in the state thar are considered as hotspots of drug addiction and traffiking.

While addressing the media, Lyngdoh said “these are the districts where incidents of drug abuse have gone sky high”.

The Minister also informed that seven districts in the State has been identified as hotspots.

The seven districts inclue-East Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi, West Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills.

He also names localities and areas under the respective districts that are considered as hotspots or vulenerable areas.

The areas in the East Khasi Hills include- Laitumkhrah, Nongthymmai, Jhalupara, Madanriting, Nongmynsong, Mawlai, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Polo, Iew Mawlong, Mawngap, Mawryngkneng and Pynursla.

The meeting was attended by the Director General of Police (DGP) of Meghalaya, Director of Social Welfare department, the Health Department.

Meanwhile, the SPs pointed out the loopholes in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) 1985 and the need to have rules frame by the government of Meghalaya.

Lyngdoh also informed that the draft policy of the DREAM project- “Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission” has been approved and notified.

About DFREAM Project:

The objective of the DREAM project is to work for a drug free Meghalaya and under this mission, a Mission Director and a team will assist the government in coordinating the efforts of various departments interlinked to this issue, further informed Lyngdoh.

Lyngdoh also informed that a total sanction of 5 crores has been set aside for publicity campaigns, awareness programs under the DREAM mission.