In a decisive move to curb the rampant misuse of opioid substitution therapy facilities, Khatkhati police, in coordination with the Bokajan magistrate, sealed an Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) center in Lahorijan on Saturday evening. According to reports, the operation was spearheaded by Officer-in-Charge (OC) Nitul Saikia of Khatkhati police station and Bokajan’s magistrate. The OST center, allegedly functioning as a counseling and therapy hub for drug addicts, was shut down amidst allegations of gross misuse and illegal activities.
a drug addiction counseling therapy center has been sealed by Khatkhati police:
The operation led to the detention of 20 individuals suffering from drug addiction. After thorough counseling sessions, they were released. However, the center’s project manager, identified as Ramzan Ali, has been taken into custody for further investigation. This raid was initiated following multiple complaints from local residents of Lahorijan, who reported that the center was being misused by addicts to consume drugs openly, causing widespread anxiety and unrest in the community.
Complaints from the residents highlighted several serious issues. The addicts were allegedly consuming drugs in the open and creating a disturbance, leading to a significant sense of insecurity among the local population. Such activities not only undermined the purpose of the OST center but also posed a threat to public safety and order.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the entire operation was conducted in the presence of media personnel. Hanuman Mandir Gaonrakshi Bahini, a local community watchdog group, assisted the Khatkhati police during the raid, providing crucial support and coordination. The involvement of media and community groups helped in maintaining a transparent process, reassuring the public of the authorities’ commitment to tackling the drug menace head-on.
