SHILLONG, FEB 11: The Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) convened a sensitization meeting with Village Defence Parties (VDPs) of Shillong City to strengthen community-led efforts in addressing drug abuse.

The meeting focused on destigmatizing substance use disorders and promoting community-based rehabilitation.

“The role of VDPs is crucial in complementing the efforts of the Meghalaya Police in drug enforcement,” said Mission Director Francis Kharshiing said in a statement on Wednesday.

The meeting also highlighted the critical need for establishing halfway homes within localities as an essential component of post-rehabilitation support to prevent relapse among recovering individuals.

“VDP members were sensitized on their important role in engaging with Dorbar Shnongs and helping to assuage community concerns to facilitate the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for such facilities,” Kharshiing said adding “Further, the importance of vocational training was underscored as a key preventive measure to provide livelihood opportunities and reduce vulnerability to substance abuse.”

Key areas of collaboration identified included supporting investigations as witnesses in drug-related cases, coordinating with law enforcement during drug seizures and arrests, and strengthening information sharing between communities and the police.

The meeting was also addressed by Inspector E Lamare, OC Madanrynting Police Station and Insp N Koch, OC ANTF Police Station.
VDP members from the following localities Lawsohtun, Lumparing, Madanrynting, Demthring, Mawlai Iew-Rynghep, Lapalang, Nongthymmai, Mawlynrei Nongkrem, Mawlai Umjaiur, Umpling, Smit Pyllun, Nongrah, among others, actively participated in the deliberations.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to foster stronger coordination between DREAM, the Meghalaya Police, and the Village Defence Parties to build safer, healthier communities and reinforce the State’s commitment to combating substance abuse.

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