Shillong: Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday said the state government is treating the drug menace with utmost seriousness and has intensified efforts to track and control the movement of both small and big peddlers across Meghalaya.
Highlighting recent action, Lyngdoh informed that just last week, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) seized narcotics worth over Rs 4 crore in East Jaintia Hills, one of the biggest seizures in the state so far.
“In recognition of their exemplary work, I will personally hand over cash incentives and certificates to ANTF personnel under the DREAM Mission, for braving all odds to track down and capture the culprits, who are now in police custody,” he said.
Addressing concerns on the fate of major drug dealers in the state, the minister revealed that between August 2024 and August 2025, the government has cleared detention orders against five repeat offenders under Section 31 of the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITSNDPS) Act, 1988. This provision allows the state to detain repeat offenders for up to one year.
Those detained include: Pynhoi Nongtdu of Thadlaskein, West Jaintia Hills (detained July–Aug 2024), Hubert Lamphrang Paliar of Mawiong Pyndengrei, Nongstoiñ (detained Jan 2025), Rintu G. Saikia of Nongrim Hills, Shillong, Marwill Nangbah of Mookyndeng, Jowai and Aisha Khatoon alias Pahari, 50, of Lower Paltan Bazar
“These cases were examined by a three-member advisory board headed by a retired Chief Justice, and following their approval, the detention orders were issued. If these offenders resume their trade after release, the government will strike back,” Lyngdoh asserted.
The minister further said that the government has frozen the bank accounts of the detained traffickers, including those of their immediate families, to choke financial networks linked to the drug trade. He cautioned that anyone providing shelter or accommodation to drug dealers will also be prosecuted under the PITSNDPS Act.
Calling for public cooperation, Lyngdoh urged citizens to immediately alert the ANTF if they come across known traffickers. “We are processing a few more cases for detention, and once cleared by the advisory board, the government will continue updating the public,” he added.
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