Shillong, Dec 17: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Police Station at the MPRO Office Building, Golf Links, Shillong, marking a significant step in Meghalaya’s ongoing fight against drugs. Describing the event as a “red-letter day” for the police department and the state government, Sangma emphasized the critical role the new police station will play in combating the drug menace.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister remarked, “This particular police station may look very simple, may look very small for now, but the impact that this will have on the overall situation and the fight, or the war against drugs that we are having is going to be huge.”

He acknowledged the efforts of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang, and Superintendent of Police (SP) Jagpal Singh Dhanoa in ensuring the timely completion of the police station before Christmas, which was a target set by the government.

Highlighting the collaborative nature of the fight against drugs, Sangma stated that the battle cannot be fought by a single department alone. He pointed out that an integrated, multi-departmental approach is essential, involving the police, health, and social welfare departments. He further stressed the need for community involvement, urging citizens, community leaders, and localities to join the fight.

“This is also an important moment for me to appeal to all our citizens, to appeal to all our leaders, to appeal to the community that if we have to win this war against drugs, we must work together. We must support each other. We must play our role and our part in the entire process,” Sangma asserted. He assured that while the government will provide the necessary infrastructure, financial support, and coordination, success would require collective action from all stakeholders.

The ANTF Police Station will function as the central hub for the coordination and monitoring of anti-drug operations. It will be staffed with an Additional SP, inspectors, sub-inspectors, constables, and equipped with essential IT support. Sangma noted that the station would be instrumental in tackling the drug supply and distribution network, a crucial part of the government’s broader anti-drug strategy.

Sangma also emphasized that the fight against drugs goes beyond enforcement, highlighting the importance of rehabilitation, health support, and social awareness. “Apart from the police and what this police station will do, the social welfare and health departments are also revamping and relooking at the different strategies required from the health and social welfare perspectives,” he said.

To ensure sustained momentum, Sangma announced that regular review meetings would be held under the Dream Coordination Committee, headed by the Chief Minister himself. Reviews will be conducted every one to two months to monitor progress, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and adapt strategies as needed.
SP of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa, also spoke at the event, expressing gratitude for the inauguration of the police station. He assured the public of his team’s commitment, stating, “We will work in the shadows. Any information regarding search and seizures will be disseminated by the district SP.”

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, and Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh were present at the event, along with DGP Idashisha Nongrang, senior police officials, and government representatives. Their presence underscored the government’s unified approach to tackling drug abuse in the state.

Over the past five years, 653 drug-related cases have been registered in the state, leading to the arrests of 1,027 men and 134 women. Of these, 492 cases have been charge-sheeted, and 25 individuals have been convicted.

Seizures during this period included 42.758 kilograms of heroin, 13,521 kilograms of ganja and opium, Rs. 95,81,204 in cash, and three arms.

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