Advanced Scanning Technology to Guard Meghalaya Against Narcotics Smuggling

The Meghalaya government will soon install advanced vehicle scanners to detect and prevent illegal narcotics from entering the state. Adviser to the Social Welfare Department, Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday said that suitable locations for installing these scanners have already been identified. “We are working towards a situation where the demand for narcotics will significantly decrease once these vehicle scanners are in place. The procurement process is currently underway,” he said. Lyngdoh further said that curbing the entry of narcotics at Meghalaya’s key entry points would substantially reduce smuggling activities across the state. He clarified that the scanners would apply universally, with no exemptions and that all vehicle movements into the state would go through this scanning process.

Asked whether defense and military vehicles should also be subject to checks, Lyngdoh confirmed that the government has engaged with authorities from the Cantonment and 101 Area to collaborate closely.
He said that frequent raids are already being conducted in these areas, and once the scanners are operational, everyone—including military convoys—would be required to comply. Lyngdoh pointed out that approximately 95 percent of illicit substances entering Meghalaya originate from the Golden Triangle via Myanmar and Manipur. He expressed hope that the installation of similar scanning technology by the Manipur government would further strengthen border control and help uphold the rule of law in the region.