International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking observed in East Jaintia Hills

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 27, 2022

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the theme “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crisis” was observed on Monday at Dong Wahshnong L.P School, Rymbai Village, East Jaintia Hills District.

Organized by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, Adolescent Health Clinic, Khliehriat, and the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihood Society, Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Addressing the gathering, R Passah, District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat,  said that the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is observed every year on the 26th of June to focus on raising awareness to the public about drug abuse and its impact on the society.

She further stated that the increase in the demand for illegal drugs is because there is a supply, and efforts have been made for demand reduction by conducting awareness programmes and educating the public on the ill effect of substance abuse, and alcoholism on the individual, the family, and the society at large. She appealed to the parents and all sections of the society to work together with the government departments and the NGOs in eradicating this menace for the welfare of the youth in the district.

Rinibeth Patlong, Programme Manager, MCSWA, spoke on the types of drugs and elaborated on the experimental stage, availability of drugs, peer pressure, addiction stage, etc. She also spoke about the economic and social impact of drug abuse and its consequences on families, education, and discrimination among others.    

W Lato, Sub-Inspector, office of the Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills District, Khliehriat, spoke at length about the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS)Act, 1985.  He highlighted the aims and objectives, provisions, and punishments under the NDPS Act. Others who also spoke were Daphihi Passah, Adolescent Health Counselor, Khliehriat Civil Hospital, and PS Dkhar, Supervisor, Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District who proposed the vote of thanks.

During the programme, prizes were distributed to the winners of the drawing competition which was conducted as part of the observation of the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The other highlights of the observation includes a bike rally organized by the Office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with the Tuber Biker’s and Tour Association from Tuber  Kmaishnong village to Dienchynrum village and the distribution of pamphlets on drug abuse to the public.