KATHMANDU: Traffic Police took action against 149 drivers caught driving under the influence of drugs in Kathmandu in the fiscal year 2022/23.

Under the joint efforts of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office and Narcotics Control Bureau, a special drive was conducted at various locations in Kathmandu Valley to detect drug abuse among drivers.

The drivers found under the influence were taken into custody, and appropriate legal measures were implemented, as emphasized by Senior Superintendent of Police Rajendra Prasad Bhatta, spokesperson of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office.

This alarming situation extends to some drivers operating public vehicles, posing severe threats to the lives of passengers.

SSP Bhatta stressed the seriousness of this offense and the potential hazards it poses.

To combat this issue further, the Office has urged passengers to promptly report any suspicion of public vehicle drivers being under the influence of drugs.

They can do so by reaching out to the nearest police office or contacting the traffic control room hotline number 103 and police hotline number 100.

The authorities are committed to ensuring road safety and will continue their efforts to curb drug-impaired driving to protect both drivers and the general public, he added.