KATHMANDU: June 26 marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed globally under the theme “Breaking the Chain: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery.”
Every year, the international community observes this day to raise awareness and promote action against the global drug crisis, following a call by the United Nations. The core objective is to protect society from the devastating impact of drug addiction and illicit trafficking.
On this occasion, awareness campaigns and public discussions are held around the world—especially targeting youth, who remain the most vulnerable demographic. Many young people fall into drug use due to peer pressure, curiosity, and social influence.
Globally, an estimated 190,000 people die each year due to drug-related causes, with the toll increasing annually. In addition to health consequences, drug trafficking fuels crime, societal instability, and the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
A joint study conducted in 2001 by the Government of India and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences estimated that about 72 million people in India were using drugs at that time. Nearly a quarter-century later, that number is believed to have risen dramatically.
Experts warn that Nepal is facing a similar and worsening crisis, exacerbated by open borders and growing external influences. Bishnu Phuyal, President of Recovering Nepal, stated that the number of drug users in the country is increasing steadily. According to him, there are around 300 rehabilitation centers across Nepal, yet they can only serve between 8,000 and 9,000 individuals annually.
Phuyal cited government data indicating that over 120,000 Nepalis are addicted to hard drugs—an alarming figure that signals a deepening national crisis.
“Rehabilitation alone cannot solve the problem,” Phuyal said. “We must adopt a multi-pronged strategy that includes awareness campaigns, access to counseling, and school-based prevention programs.”
He also expressed concern that the Ministry of Home Affairs has not prioritized drug control, despite the growing urgency.
“Nepal is still relying on outdated drug policies and laws,” he noted. “Although the country has gone through four constitutions, the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act of 2033 B.S. (1976 A.D.) remains unchanged.”
Phuyal urged the Ministry of Health to play a more proactive role in providing treatment, preventing addiction, and controlling the spread of drug-related infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
He also praised the efforts of Nepal Police’s Narcotics Control Bureau in curbing drug trafficking across South Asia, but warned that the agency still operates with outdated infrastructure.
“Despite limited resources, our police are doing their best. But this approach is not sustainable in the long term,” he said. He also criticized the decision to reduce the Bureau’s leadership from a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to a Superintendent of Police (SP), calling it a step backward.
“The Bureau’s capacity must be strengthened. We need tighter enforcement and special surveillance programs, especially at Tribhuvan International Airport and along the open border with India,” Phuyal concluded.
Drug use on the rise in Kathmandu
Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa also acknowledged the growing drug problem in the Kathmandu Valley. He stated that the Valley Police Office has intensified its drug prevention and control efforts in response.
Speaking at a program organized to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, Thapa emphasized the need for collective action and solidarity to effectively combat drug abuse. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive strategy to address both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem.
Thapa revealed that the Nepal Police has significantly ramped up its enforcement this fiscal year. Compared to the previous year, police have seized 65 percent more marijuana, 77 percent more opium, 79 percent more heroin, and 53 percent more of other narcotic substances.
These figures reflect both a surge in drug-related activity and the increasing vigilance of law enforcement authorities.
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