Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 85/25

WEST GARO HILLS LEADS MEGHALAYA IN TOBACCO CRACKDOWN, COLLECTS INR 1.4 LAKH IN FINES

West Garo Hills has emerged as one of Meghalayas most proactive districts in the fight against tobacco use, with police issuing more than 1000 challans and collecting 14 lakhs in fines in the first half of 2025 under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act COTPA 2003.

The districts intensified enforcement drive, led by police stations across the region, has targeted public smoking and illegal tobacco sales, especially near schools and in high traffic public spaces. Garobadha PIC recorded the highest action with 120 challans and 14950 in fines, followed by Dalu PS 86 challans and Hallidayganj PS 85 challans.

Our aim is not merely to penalise, but to protect, said Abraham T Sangma, IPS, Superintendent of Police, West Garo Hills. We want to safeguard young people and nonsmokers from the dangers of secondhand smoke and unregulated tobacco sales.

The campaign forms part of the National Tobacco Control Programme NTCP, implemented by the Health and Family Welfare Department, NHM Meghalaya. District police have undergone training and been equipped with Information, Education and Communication IEC materials to sustain both enforcement and public awareness.

Highlighting the health stakes, Dr Nabneeta D Mawrie, State Nodal Officer for NTCP Meghalaya, noted, Tobacco use is directly linked to nearly 50 percent of cancers. The firm and sustained action by the police is a model of public health leadership.

Public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Smoking in public was common earlier. Now, people think twice, said a local vegetable vendor near Tura market. I feel safer bringing my children here, added the vendor.

With plans to intensify the crackdown in the months ahead, West Garo Hills is setting a benchmark for tobacco control and public health policing across Meghalaya.