Ampati: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on Thursday (June 26) at the Multi-Facility Centre at Ampati in Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills with the theme “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All”.
The event was jointly organized by the Department of Social Welfare, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), and the District Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, Ampati.
Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, Hema Nayak, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Sengrikchi N. Marak, Additional Superintendent of Police, attended as the guest of honour.
In her address, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the urgent need to recognize drug and alcohol abuse not just as a personal or household issue but as a community challenge.
She pointed out the district’s geographic vulnerability, bordered by Assam and Bangladesh, making it prone to illegal trafficking routes.
She urged communities to first understand the local supply chain of drugs and then take collective responsibility in curbing the menace.
Highlighting the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, she called upon participants, especially students and community leaders, to demand and engage in drug prevention activities to build a drug-free society.
Additional Superintendent of Police S.N. Marak, in her remarks, stressed that drug abuse has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the user’s physical and mental health but also posing threats to societal safety.
She warned that substance abuse often leads to increased criminal activity and called for early community intervention to prevent such outcomes.
The programme also featured a mass signature campaign, with enthusiastic participation from all attendees, including the Deputy Commissioner, symbolizing a unified stand against drug abuse.
Earlier, Z.R. Marak, District Social Welfare Officer, welcomed the gathering and led a pledge-taking ceremony.
The event saw the participation of over 130 representatives from various villages, NGOs, SHGs, Anganwadis, ASHAs, Nokmas, VEC Secretaries, teachers, NMBA Master Volunteers, religious leaders, and members of the public.
Legal insights were shared by T.M. Sangma, Public Prosecutor, DLSA, who spoke about the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1988, and the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking Act. He warned that both users and traffickers can be prosecuted under the law and highlighted the increasing prevalence of drugs like ganja and heroin in the region.
Leni Dokatchi B. Marak, Clinical Psychologist from Civil Hospital, Ampati, delivered a session on the psychological and physiological impact of drug addiction.
She cited common triggers such as peer pressure, emotional distress, and curiosity among youth, and stressed the need for emotional resilience and awareness to combat drug dependency.
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As per the directive of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, more than 247 schools across the district observed the day by conducting pledge-taking ceremonies in their respective institutions.
