Govt to collaborate with UNODC for statewide survey on drug abuse: Lyngdoh

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 9, 2025

Minister in-charge Social Welfare Paul Lyngdoh on Friday announced that the state government will soon launch a statewide survey on drug abuse to identify areas based on their vulnerability factor.

Addressing media persons, Lyngdoh said the survey, which will be a major initiative, will be conducted in collaboration with the United Nation Organization on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).

“This will help us update information and also identify areas based on their vulnerability factor,” he added.

To tackle the problem of drug trafficking in the state, the minister also informed that the government is in the process of procuring two vehicles, which will be tasked with narcotics scanning, one of which is already on its way. “We expect with the constant intervention of the DGP, this should materialise soon,” he said.

He further added, “In regards to the Sniffer dogs, I am happy to share with you that they are currently being trained. It will take another six months before completing the training of the sniffer dogs.”

On the joint VDP training and coordination initiative, Lyngdoh said that few dorbar shnongs have already come forward and applied for being recognized as VDPs.

“In Shillong until DREAM came into being, there were only 11 VDPs and now we expect this number to go up at least double the current number as we have been having regular interaction and consultative meetings with the dorbar shnongs.”

He further informed, “In the Cantonment area, which has always been seen as something which is off the radar beyond the reach of the state government, I am happy to share with you that the CEO of the Cantonment Board is now partnering with the dorbar shnong of areas within the cantonment board. In Jhalupara for instance, a major point where there is also a large concentration of migrant population, CCTVs will be installed.”

Stating that the government is also engaging with faith leaders, Lyngdoh said that the Catholic Diocese has agreed to set up new rehab centres – “one of them which we have initiated and which will take place shortly is the RTCC in Ri Bhoi District”.