KATHMANDU: Home Minister Sudan Gurung has directed the police administration to break the drug supply chain in order to protect younger generations from addiction to narcotic substances often used for temporary pleasure and recreation.
Issuing a special message on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the minister said the observance should not remain limited to formal ceremonies and instructed authorities to actively work toward controlling the problem at its roots.
In his message, Gurung noted that various studies and reports indicate a rise in drug trafficking, describing the trend as a matter of serious concern.
To address the challenge, he said the government has adopted a policy of treating drug abuse as a social issue and plans to launch a broader campaign aimed at reducing and preventing narcotics use.
“Drug abuse has caused serious harm particularly to the health and mental development of school students and young people,” the message stated.
The minister said drug trafficking and abuse are not merely social problems but also represent a complex form of transnational organized crime that undermines national security, causes economic losses and weakens public health systems.
The Home Ministry also expressed commitment to strengthening law enforcement, mobilizing all available mechanisms to dismantle criminal networks and continuing legal reforms to address the issue.
As part of its goal of building a drug-free society, the ministry said it will prioritize prevention, control, treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by substance dependence.
Stating that the challenge cannot be addressed through government efforts alone, the minister called for collective partnership among local communities, all three levels of government, schools, civil society and media organizations.
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