The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to submit an affidavit within three weeks detailing the status of drug cases lodged at four police stations in the Garo Hills region and the extent of police patrolling in areas known for drug peddling. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh issued the order on May 7 while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mewaker Lyngdoh.
Affidavits from Enforcement Agencies
On May 6, the Border Security Force (BSF), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Customs Department submitted affidavits outlining enforcement measures and seizures following a High Court directive issued on April 17.
BSF Seizures and Cases
The BSF reported that it had seized narcotic substances on eight occasions between January 19, 2025, and February 28, 2026. The High Court noted that the BSF authorities registered cases with the Dalu Police Station, Gasuapara Police Station, Mahendraganj Police Station, and Purakhasia Police Station in the Garo Hills.
NCB Operations
In its affidavit, the NCB stated that it had registered one case directly linked to Meghalaya since January 1, 2025, resulting in the recovery of 1.957 kilograms of methamphetamine tablets. The High Court observed that investigation of the case revealed trafficking of contraband from Silchar in Assam towards Mawsynram in Meghalaya, with further cross-border linkages. The NCB also mentioned six seizures involving methamphetamine and heroin worth crores of rupees in Assam's Barak Valley, which is geographically contiguous to Meghalaya and operationally relevant for trafficking routes, thereby affecting the state.
Strengthening Coordination
The NCB informed the court that a North Eastern Regional Office under its Deputy Director General has been established in Guwahati to strengthen coordination. Additionally, field offices were set up at Aizawl and Dimapur in 2025, particularly in view of cross-border trafficking through Myanmar-bordering areas.
Next Hearing
The PIL will be taken up next on June 8.
