Shillong: Though Meghalaya has not yet recorded any instance of drug abuse facilitated through the 'dark web', the state social welfare department deemed it crucial to sensitise teachers, parents, and stakeholders to this emerging threat by organising a workshop in the city with support of the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction on the theme "Digital Dangers: How Cyber Crime Fuels Drug Abuse" on Aug 28."Increasingly, young people are being introduced to drugs, not on the streets, but through digital avenues such as social media, online gaming networks, messaging platforms, and even encrypted apps -- often linked to wider illicit activities. These online spaces frequently circulate contents that glamorize drug use, spread misinformation, and provide unfiltered access to harmful commodities. If left unchecked, they can quickly become breeding grounds for peer pressure, the glorification of drug culture, and even direct access to substances through illegal online channels," an official statement said."What further compounds this challenge is the profound psychological impact of the digital world. Constant comparison, cyber bullying, isolation, and digital addiction are driving many young people to seek refuge in substance use as a means of escape. By fostering responsible internet use and vigilance, we can help safeguard them from the dangers of the dark web and the lure of substance abuse," the statement said.The experts underscored the critical need to adopt strong cyber-protective tools such as antivirus software and security safeguards against falling prey to cybercrimes such as phishing, digital arrest, and other emerging threats.Director and joint secretary, social welfare dept, and additional director, Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM), Govt of Meghalaya, Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, drew attention to the growing menace of drug abuse and its devastating impact on society, stressing that there is an urgent need for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders, as the fight against drug abuse is not the sole responsibility of the Govt. She said if this issue is not addressed collectively and at the earliest, "There is a grave risk of losing an entire generation of youth to the scourge of drugs" in the state.