Drug abuse has emerged as a serious problem in Meghalaya, with the number of users increasing 33 times in the last ten years, according to a survey.
India Drugs & Aids Care (NEIDAC) director Toshi Shanglir says the number of drug users has increased 33 times in the past 10 years.
"The total number of drug users in 1999 was just 556 compared to the latest figure which has gone up to 17,833," Shanglir says.
The NEIDAC which carried out the survey says, Jaintia Hills district, which has coal mines and where there are migrant workers, has the highest concentration of drug users at 5398.
Ri Bhoi district has 2397 drug addicts, West Khasi Hills district 1525, East Garo Hills 1500, West Garo Hills district 1100 and South Garo Hills 800.
Shanglir says says 30 per cent of the addicts inject themselves, while sniffing and popping methods are also followed.