17,833 drug users in Meghalaya: NEIDAC

Altogether there are 17, 833 drug users in the state according a report of the 'Magnitude of the problems of drug abuse in Meghalaya,' released by the North East India Drugs and Aids Care (NEIDAC) here yesterday. The report 'Magnitude of the problems of drug abuse in Meghalaya' was released on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organised by the state Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the state police. According to the report, Jaintia hills district has the highest concentration of drug users in the state followed by East Khasi hills district.

In West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi district the drug user has also increased tremendously, the report said.

Meanwhile, the report also stated that in East Garo hills district, West Garo hills district and South Garo hills increase of the drug users are less.

Highlighting the drug scenario in the state Director, NEIDAC, Toshi Shanglir said, ''The number of drug users has increased by 33 times since the last survey in 1999 when the number stood at 556 only.'' Comparing to the latest report conducted by the NEIDAC the number has increased drastically to 17,833, Mr Shanglir informed.

The report also pointed out that there is also a rise of drug use among women in the state. College going students, female sex workers, partners and spouses of male drug users are also reported to be abusing drugs.

Meanwhile, speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, Principal Secretary of Social Welfare Department N S Samant said, ''The high percentage of drugs users in the Meghalaya is a cause of worry since it is one way of spreading HIV/AIDS.'' He also said it was high time that concerned authorities put their efforts together in tackling the drug menace from the spoiling the society.