Shillong, June 26 : The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed here today at U Soso Tham Auditorium. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who was the chief guest, launched the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) to combat drug abuse in Meghalaya.
Speaking on the occasion, Sangma said that the government is making concerted efforts to ensure that Meghalaya is a drug free state. He said that the DREAM initiative is a part of a larger strategy to fight not only against drug abuse but also for the wellbeing of the youth.
He commended the work of the Police department in successfully nabbing drug dealers and consignments worth crores in the past few months. He urged the department to continue their work to control and end the menace of drug abuse in the State.
Sangma also highlighted the importance of rehabilitation and treatment for drug addicts. He said that different rehabilitation centers and detoxification centers will be established and NGOs will be financially assisted for treatment and rehabilitation and outreach programs.
He also appealed to the NGOs, religious and academic institutions, community leaders and bodies to make the fight against drug abuse one of their priority agenda.
The Drug Reduction, Elimination and action Mission (DREAM) builds on the Meghalaya Drug Abuse Prevention Policy, 2020 to reach the goal of eliminating drug use in the state. It leverages culture and communities through a multifaceted coordinating strategy to eliminate the incidence of substance use in the state.
The Chief Minister also launched the Drug Free Meghalaya App, handed over the Drug Detection Kits to Anti-Narcotics Task Force, felicitated NGOs, individuals and ANTF for their efforts against drug abuse and released the song “Turn the Tide” by Khaki Vibes.
Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, DGP, Meghalaya, Dr L R Bishnoi, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Dr Shakeel P Ahammad, senior police officials, officers from Social Welfare department and students from various schools were also present for the occasion.
