Guwahati: Twenty-nine youths, mostly living at makeshifts near railway tracks in Guwahati’s Lakhtokia area, have been arrested for allegedly consuming and peddling drugs and being involved in theft, police said on Sunday.The accused were produced before the court of the chief judicial magistrate, Kamrup (Metro), and were sent to 14-day judicial custody.Assistant commissioner of police Partha Pratim Duwarah said, “Most of the addicts are from Guwahati, while some originally hail from nearby districts and live in temporary shacks along the railway tracks. Investigators are still trying to determine the supply chain of the drugs.”Panbazar police station sub-inspector Bishal Kashyap said the youths were not only drug consumers, but were also involved in peddling. “To fuel their addiction, they allegedly steal copper pipes and wires from outdoor air-conditioner units and other electrical infrastructure,” he added.Kashyap said four police personnel have been deployed at Lakhtokia Gate nos. 2, 3 and 4 to curb drug use and trade and ensure residents’ safety. “A requisition has been made to the police headquarters to increase manpower in the areas where such illegal activities take place,” he added.Locals in Lakhtokia alleged that the addicts remain active during early morning hours and late evenings.
