Meghalaya police not equip to detect drugs at entry points: DGP

“At the entry points so far technologically we are not highly equipped with all those kinds of sensors and other equipment,” Dr Bishnoi told reporters when responding to a query on the steps taken to stop entry of drugs to the state.

He said so far manually, the police are executing naka duties at all entry and exit points.

“We are trying to execute naka round the clock so that when inputs come, the naka party can take care of it,” Dr Bishnoi added.

When asked on allegation that there is a nexus between drug supplier and police, the DGP assured that they are keeping a close watch on the matter and warned that stern action will be taken against police personnel who are involved in aiding the entry of drugs to the state.

“If any concrete things come to notice about the involvement of the police or any subordinate officers we will definitely take action. We will be very tough on that. Let me clarify that we will not accept any excuse that involvement of police will be simply unacceptable,” he said.

On the failure of the police to nab the kingpins, Dr Bishnoi however said most of the kingpins are not operating from Meghalaya adding they are operating from other states either from Myanmar or Manipur.

“So until unless we get the peddlers and middle level drug traffickers it is very difficult to reach up to the main kingpins. If we continue our operations like this I am very sure that within a short time some of the big traffickers will be in our net,” he assured.

If action has been taken to implement the order passed by the High Court on checking army vehicles following allegations that they are being used for transporting drugs, the DGP however said, “We are acting only on specific inputs but as and when any inputs related to drug trafficking in any kinds of vehicles that come to us we will take follow up action immediately.”

Meanwhile, the DGP informed that the police department is in the process of preparing a comprehensive action plan to eradicate the menace of drugs from the state.

(It (action plan) will be soon submitted to the government of Meghalaya,” he said.

Stating that the police are presently concentrating on a four pronged strategy to deal with the problem of drug menace in the state, Dr Bishnoi said The first strategy is the drug awareness. In the last one month, we have conducted 242 drug awareness campaigns in the schools and colleges so prevention is better than cure by keeping that motive in view we are conducting awareness in schools and outreaching all sections of the society.

He said the second strategy is capacity building of officers and personnel so that they should understand the nitty-gritty of the NDPS Act and “our case should not fail in the court, to strengthen the prosecution and ensure maximum convictions of the drug traffickers. We are organizing refresher courses at the district headquarters and police headquarters.”

He said the third strategy is enforcement, recovery of drugs and arrest of drug traffickers, seizure of vehicles, cash and other things while the fourth strategy is  helping other stakeholders like social welfare department, health department in rehabilitation of those youths who have fallen prey to drug abuse.

By Our Reporter