Acting on the circulation of photographs and videos on social media purportedly showing people openly consuming drugs in crowded market areas of Imphal, City Police has launched a special drive under the ongoing War on Drugs campaign, detaining 12 individuals allegedly involved in open drug use and shifting them to rehabilitation centres for treatment and care.
The drive was conducted in coordination with the Social Welfare Department, with the 12 individuals subsequently taken to three rehabilitation centres for counselling and rehabilitation. The centres are Anouba Mangal Trust Centre at Khuman Lampak, Newborn Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Centre at Awang Leikinthabi, and New Dawn Rehabilitation Centre at Langol.
The operation follows public concern over the alleged open consumption of drugs in market areas, with images and videos of such activities circulating widely on social media. The viral footage has renewed concerns over the visibility of substance abuse in public spaces and the need for sustained intervention to address the problem.
According to the information available, the individuals picked up during the drive were provided group counselling before being admitted to the respective rehabilitation centres. Among those taken into rehabilitation was a person whose alleged drug use had recently drawn attention on social media.
The coordinated initiative by City Police and the Social Welfare Department is aimed at discouraging open drug consumption while ensuring that individuals struggling with substance use receive counselling and appropriate rehabilitation support.
The authorities have indicated that similar drives will continue, underscoring the need for sustained action against drug abuse. They have also appealed to the public to refrain from drug consumption and cooperate with the authorities in the fight against the menace.
