Meghalaya HC orders surprise checks on Army vehicles after allegations of drug transport

Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has ordered a surprise check of army vehicles in the wake of allegations that drugs are sometimes carried in military trucks, which are generally safe from such inspections.

The order was passed by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh, while hearing a PIL filed by M Kharkongor, former chairperson of the Meghalaya State Commission for the Protection of Children’s Rights (MSCPCR).

The High Court also commended Amex Curie for the complex task of visiting correctional facilities, opioid replacement therapy (OST) centers, and discovering from some inmates that “safe, safe” drugs can be used for “safe passage”. Defense personnel must have been involved. ”

Although such an allegation is unbelievable, it should be noted that according to the prisoner concerned, drugs are sometimes transported in army trucks, which are generally safe from checking.

If the report is true, then there should be intelligence reports received by the state in this regard and the Chief Secretary should coordinate with the Army and Assam Rifles, so that the higher authorities can be informed about the problem. The bench said that action was being taken.

During the hearing, Amex Curie sent details of some of the places where the drug threat is common, including Shillong and several surrounding areas.

It would also be good to deploy teams of Flying Army Checkers along the way to conduct surprise checks on Army vehicles, which would otherwise not be checked by civilian personnel, “the court said.

The bench also observed that another area that needs to be considered is the establishment of therapy centers within the state, as in the absence of adequate facilities, many affected families have to look beyond Meghalaya.

Addiction rehabilitation centers may also be needed, especially for young female offenders, she said.

The court set April 28 as the next hearing date.