Shillong had hosted an event on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, a senior police officer said that Meghalaya is gradually developing into a transit point for distribution of heroin in the country.

"With Shillong as the transit point, many players, some with militant background or affiliations, are involved in the drug trafficking business to fund their anti-social activities," said East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Davis Marak.

Marak stated that the rise in petty crimes in some areas is due to the growing numbers of drug users, particularly among the youth, who commit such crimes to satiate their cravings, Marak said.

The SP stressed on the need to pay more attention to the youth, expressing concern over the fact that most traffickers come from low income families or those with a history of broken homes. He had also urged all stakeholders to work hand in hand with the police to curb the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The police, in its continued efforts to curb the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, is also organising a week-long awareness programme, which is scheduled to begin this week, in different localities, schools and colleges to create awareness, added the SP.