Shillong: The Meghalaya government, under its flagship initiative DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission), has pledged Rs. 50 crores over five years to bolster rehabilitation centres, especially those run by faith-based and community-led organisations.
This announcement came during the state-level observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong.
The event, organised by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with Meghalaya Police, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, and DREAM, centered on the theme “Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All.”
It brought together leaders, frontline workers, and community members committed to addressing substance abuse.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, delivering the keynote address, outlined a comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse in Meghalaya.
He emphasised the government’s focus on holistic recovery that integrates law enforcement, health systems, education, youth engagement, and community partnerships.
“This is not merely a law enforcement issue but a public health, social, and developmental challenge. DREAM is our mission to fight this together — as a state, as a people,” he declared.
Highlighting significant achievements, the chief minister revealed that over the past three years, Meghalaya Police have seized narcotics worth Rs. 1,000 crores, including heroin, ganja, opium, and crystal meth.
Of the 1,031 drug-related cases filed, 422 have been charge-sheeted.
Enforcement efforts are being enhanced with specialised units like the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), advanced tools, and canine squads.
Sangma also led attendees in taking a pledge as part of the National Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, urging citizens, educators, community leaders, NGOs, and families to join forces against substance abuse.
“Our youth are Meghalaya’s greatest asset, and we will not let drugs rob them of their future,” he affirmed.
The DREAM initiative, a multi-sectoral program, addresses both the supply and demand aspects of substance abuse.
Partnering with the Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses (SPYM), the government is developing customised toolkits and training modules for schools, NGOs, and local communities to create a drug-resilient society.
Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, speaking as the Guest of Honour, praised the ANTF and highlighted preventive measures under the NDPS Act for repeat offenders.
He urged communities to transform every ward and dorbar into hubs of vigilance and compassion, stating, “This fight is not ‘us versus them’; it is all of us versus drugs.”
The programme also featured an expert talk by Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Pakha Tesia, who stressed the importance of integrated care for addiction recovery.
He advocated for early interventions in schools and the expansion of community-run rehab facilities under DREAM.
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A deeply moving testimony by recovery champion Isaac Surong, who shared his journey from addiction to healing, left the audience inspired.
His story of resilience and redemption was celebrated as a beacon of hope, with Chief Minister Sangma acknowledging its impact.
The event concluded with recognition of over 20 Recovery Champions and honors for grassroots organisations, including the Life Care Foundation and United A’chik Society, for their contributions to prevention and rehabilitation.
Winners of awareness initiatives such as sports tournaments and the Cycle Rally for Recovery were also felicitated.
