SHILLONG: In a significant stride in their battle against drug trafficking, the East Jaintia Hills police achieved a major breakthrough on Wednesday by seizing contraband worth Rs 2.1 crore.
This successful operation led to the arrest of an individual connected to the seizure and exposed an inter-state drug trafficking network.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma lauded the persistent efforts of the Meghalaya Police, particularly the East Jaintia Hills Police, for their unwavering commitment in combating the drug menace.
Sangma, while taking to a social media website, highlighted the importance of such endeavours in realising the vision of a drug-free Meghalaya.
The recent success marks the second major drug seizure within three days in the district.
On April 27, vigilant officers from the East Jaintia Hills police confiscated heroin valued at Rs 7.2 crore from an unregistered vehicle near Rattachera.
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Subsequently, one individual was apprehended in connection with the seizure.
Highlighting the scale of the challenge posed by drug trafficking in the state, Meghalaya Director General of Police (DGP) LR Bishnoi in March, had revealed that the state police have seized drugs worth over Rs 250 crore since 2022, with a total of 610 drug traffickers arrested during this period.
The enforcement efforts intensified significantly in 2023, with 355 individuals apprehended, and the momentum has continued into 2024, with 25 arrests recorded thus far, he had said, during a press meet at Police Headquarters, Shillong.
To address this growing threat, he also mentioned that Meghalaya Police have taken several steps.
These include strict enforcement actions, spreading awareness in schools and colleges, and targeting repeat offenders and criminal networks operating across state borders involved in drug trafficking.
