KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has announced plans to establish a Narcotics Control Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs within the upcoming fiscal year.
The announcement was made during a special event organized in Kathmandu on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Addressing the event, Minister Lekhak said that narcotics control is a top priority of the government, highlighting the links between drug abuse and rising cases of suicide, road accidents, and cybercrimes. He stressed the urgent need for targeted measures to reduce and control drug misuse.
He also expressed concern that drug-related offenses account for the second-highest number of prisoners in Nepal’s jails, underlining the persistent challenges in combating narcotics.
Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa, speaking at the same event, called for collective action against drug trafficking and abuse, which he described as a global problem. He emphasized that drug crimes negatively impact national peace and security and urged all stakeholders to unite in the fight against narcotics.
IGP Thapa also revealed that approximately 350 quintals of hashish were seized from Birgunj just on Thursday, with several individuals taken into custody.
This year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed in Nepal under the theme “Commitment to a Healthy, Civilized, and Safe Society: Solidarity Against Drug Abuse.”
The day is marked worldwide on June 26 every year to raise awareness and strengthen global efforts to combat drug-related issues.
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