Drug menace deliberated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 20 2022:
K Meghachandra, SP, Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) has appealed to the law enforcing agency, relevant Government departments and CSOs to foster cooperation amongst themselves in order to combat drug related issues in the State.
The statement was made by K Meghachandra during the 'Second Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on The Drug Menace in Manipur' programme organised by SDC 3.5 Collective at Sangai Hall of Imphal Hotel, North AOC today.
It may be noted that the two-day programme commenced on June 20 with an inaugural function, followed by three panel discussions.
Speaking as the chief guest, K Meghachandra said that in order to reduce drug related issues, there should be no trust deficit between the law enforcing agency and other stakeholders.
He stated that the porous Manipur-Myanmar border which facilitates easy entry and exit and an increase in the internal production of drugs in the State has exacerbated drug related issues in Manipur.
Saying that he was disturbed by the increased trafficking of precursor drugs (used in the manufacture of heroin and brown sugar) and pharmaceutical drugs, he added that efforts were underway to contact pharmaceutical companies responsible for importing drugs like Ammonium Chloride into the State.
The SP also stressed on the need to locate all poppy cultivation sites and said that the State had been aided by an institution named ADRIN from Telangana in mapping out poppy cultivation sites and conducting relevant surveys.
The SP also expressed apprehension if drug manufacturing laboratories had been set up in the hill areas of the State.
Lastly, K Meghachandra shared that the Forest Department and Revenue Department had initiated various measures against poppy cultivation under the supervision of the State Government.
The inaugural function was also attended by P Doungel (IPS), Director General of Police, Manipur, Thokchom Ramani, president, All Manipur Women's Social Reformation and Development Samaj, and Professor Amar Yumnam, former VC Manipur University among others.
The inaugural function was followed by three panel discussions on the topics 'Strengthening Prevention', 'Arrest, Investigation & Prosecution of NDPS cases' and 'Strengthening Treatment' .
The sessions were participated by experts and speakers from diverse backgrounds.