Shillong, Feb 5: The Meghalaya government has started putting vehicle scanners in Meghalaya at key entry points to strengthen checking of vehicles coming into the state and stop illegal drugs from being transported across borders. Officials say the system will allow vehicles to be checked quickly while keeping traffic movement smooth.
Officials involved in the project said important entry routes connecting Meghalaya with neighbouring states have been selected for installing the scanners. These machines can scan vehicles to detect suspicious or hidden materials, helping enforcement teams act faster when illegal substances are found. Authorities expect the technology to make checking more effective compared to only manual inspections.
Adviser Paul Lyngdoh said all vehicles entering Meghalaya will go through the scanning process and there will be no exemptions. Police teams and border authorities are working together so that vehicle movement remains smooth once scanning operations begin. Plans are also being prepared to handle traffic during peak travel hours.
Officials also pointed out that a large share of illegal drugs reaching Meghalaya travels through routes linked to Myanmar and Manipur before entering the state. The use of vehicle scanners in Meghalaya is expected to support wider efforts in neighbouring regions to tighten monitoring along these routes and reduce drug movement.
Installation of the scanners is currently underway, and authorities have said regular maintenance will be done to keep the machines working properly. Training sessions are also being planned so personnel operating the scanners can conduct inspections efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays for travellers and transport vehicles.
Along with these new measures, awareness campaigns and community programmes against drug abuse will continue across the state. Officials added that the performance of the scanners will be reviewed regularly to see how effectively they help in detecting illegal substances and improving security at entry points.
