Shillong, Sept 27: In an anti-drug operation, Meghalaya police on Wednesday arrested a repeated offender from Shillong for drug peddling who goes by the moniker ‘pahari’ and known to operate a ‘kingdom’ of drugs in the heart of the city. She has been arrested multiple times previously for selling drugs, but always manged to secure bail and resumed her activities once out of jail.

The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of East Khasi Hills, Shillong, in collaboration with Lumdiengiri Police Station and Jhalupara Outpost, apprehended the notorious 50-year-old drug peddler Pahari, whose real name is Aisha Khatoon. She is a resident of Lower Paltan Bazar.

The raid, conducted in the Jhalupara area, led to the seizure of 73 vials of suspected heroin weighing 9.72 grams, four mobile phones, and cash amounting to Rs. 27,410.

A criminal case, vide Lumdiengjri PS Case No. 103/24 under sections 21(b)/27A of the NDPS Act, has been registered, and further investigations are underway.

Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, S. Nongtnger, expressing the department’s resolve to eradicate drug trafficking in Shillong, revealed that Aisha Khatoon had been a repeat offender, with four previous cases registered against her.

“She was arrested in 2015, 2017, and again in 2023 for the same offense under the NDPS Act. Despite serving time in jail, she continued her illegal activities after securing bail,” the SP said.

“She is one of the most persistent drug peddlers in Shillong, with a significant number of cases against her compared to others involved in similar crimes,” he added.

Expanding the Investigation

The police are actively investigating to uncover Khatoon’s network and accomplices involved in smuggling drugs into Shillong. “We are working hard to identify her accomplices and track the source of the drugs. This case is still under investigation, and we hope to make more arrests soon,” he added.

When asked how the police plan to build a strong case to prevent Khatoon from securing bail again, SP Nongtnger said, “This time, we will propose charges under the PITT NDPS Act, which will strengthen the case against her.”

Widespread Network

Khatoon is known to operate primarily in the Jhalupara, Mawprem, and Lumdiengjri areas, which SP Nongtnger referred to as her “kingdom.” However, her influence extends throughout Shillong. “Her main area of operation is Jhalupara and its surroundings, but she is active across the city,” the SP noted.

Meghalaya Route Under Scrutiny

In light of Union MoS Nityananda Rai’s recent statement about drug smuggling routes through Meghalaya due to the unrest in Manipur, SP Nongtnger assured that East Khasi Hills Police is coordinating with neighbouring districts to address the issue. “We are working closely with East Jaintia Hills, Ri-Bhoi, and West Jaintia Hills Police. Intelligence sharing is crucial, and we are in constant collaboration to tackle this menace.”

The East Khasi Hills Police, in partnership with community organizations like Seng Samla and traditional bodies, remains vigilant and committed to rooting out drug trafficking in the district. “Through the support of volunteers, we are confident that more breakthroughs will follow,” the SP added.

Also Read: Meghalaya Govt begins mass vaccination of stray dogs to curb rabies deaths

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