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Government of Meghalaya Launches Drug Disposal Programme, Destroys Drugs Worth ₹53 Crores


Lumshnong January 23, 2025: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, and Director General of Police Smti. Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, presided over the Drug Disposal Programme organized by the Government of Meghalaya at Star Cement Limited, Lumshnong. Also present were senior police officials, including DIG (Eastern Range) and representatives from civil society and the media.

The programme marked the destruction of seized drugs worth over ₹53 crores, including approximately ₹23.98 crores worth of heroin, ₹7.6 crores worth of ganja, and ₹21.3 crores worth of crystal methamphetamine. These substances were incinerated as per the guidelines of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, ensuring transparency and strict adherence to the law.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the state government’s commitment to the war against drugs:

“Today’s disposal of drugs underscores our unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking in Meghalaya. This is a strong message to the community that we are serious about this fight and will continue to take decisive action.”

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong congratulated the police and other departments involved, highlighting their excellent work:

“The police, under the leadership of the DGP, have done a commendable job. This programme is an example of the collective efforts by all stakeholders to eliminate drug abuse in the state.”

The DGP, Smti. Idashisha Nongrang, IPS, assured the public of complete transparency in the disposal process:

“Every step has been conducted following the law, and the entire process is being documented to maintain accountability.”

Star Cement Limited facilitated the incineration process by providing its high-temperature facilities. The Chief Minister thanked the company for its support, saying:

“We appreciate the cooperation of Star Cement Limited in ensuring the safe and effective disposal of these substances.”

The event also highlighted the state government’s holistic approach to addressing the drug menace, including rehabilitation initiatives and community involvement. The Health Minister and Social Welfare Department were acknowledged for their roles in spearheading these efforts.

This initiative is a continuation of the government’s war on drugs, which includes the establishment of dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) teams and specialized police stations across the state. Further disposals are planned, with necessary legal approvals already in process.

Initiatives : Agriculture

Launch of “Restart Meghalaya Mission’ on 15th August 2020

The Mission comprise of a series of interventions to support farmers and entrepreneurs by enabling them to build growth-promoting basic infrastructure and services. Under this Mission, 1917iTEAMS – the IT Platform aimed at enabling farmers access to agricultural information, crop advisories and markets will be expanded logistically through induction of another 100 vehicles.

Creation of the Directorate of Food Processing on May 2018

With the objective of seizing opportunities in the sector and the untapped food processing potential of the state for uplifting the livelihoods of farmers and value chain actors, the Government of Meghalaya created the Directorate of Food Processing (DFP) as a one-stop agency to handle all matters relating to food processing in the state and to deal with all central government Ministries and Agencies (viz. Ministries of Agriculture, and Food Processing, SFAC, NCDC, NABARD, etc.) in all matters pertaining to the development of agricultural food processing sector.

First Ever Farmer’s Parliament held on 4th - 5th December 2018

The parliament was organised by the state department of agriculture in collaboration with Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) and the Hill Farmers' Union (HFU). As a step toward the promotion of new technologies, HFU with the support of Meghalaya government, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence App for farmers — called Nongrep (nongrep in Khasi language means farmer) with its software partner Impetus Solutions from Hyderabad — as a social innovation project. This app will address matters of farm aggregations, soil health and disease identification, crop yield, farm produce pickups, market linkage and retail sellers app.

Launch of the Farmer’s Portal on 7th May 2018

The Meghalaya Famers’ Portal (www.megfarmers.gov.in) of the Department of Agriculture is a platform for farmers to seek any information related to agriculture. Detailed information on farmers’ insurance, agricultural storage, crops, extension activities, seeds, pesticides, farm machineries, etc. is provided. Details of fertilizers, market prices, package and practices, programmes, welfare schemes are also given.

Awards & Recognitions
  • Meghalaya has been selected for the Commendation award in 'Total foodgrains Category-III' for 2017-18. The award consists of a citation and an amount of Rs. 1 crore.
  • Meghalaya Agriculture Department and the MIE Meghalaya Team won the '7th eNabling North East (eNorth East) Award 2019-20' in the 'Agriculture & Rural Development' category for 1917 iTEAMS project which is a project in collaboration with Digital India.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded Meghalaya on May 2018 the Krishi Commendation Award for the year 2015-16, in recognition of the commendable foodgrains production achieved by the State.
  • Meghalaya has been adjudged the Most Improved Small State in the category of Agriculture and received the India Today – "The State of the States” Award on 23rd November 2018.