Home Minister Lekhak steps up anti-drug drive

Kathmandu: Since assuming office, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has prioritized tackling drug trafficking, identifying it as one of the four major challenges facing the country. Within his first year, he launched a nationwide campaign targeting drug abuse and illegal trade.

The campaign, especially active in the Kathmandu Valley, has seen strong coordination between Nepal Police, the public, and other stakeholders. Under Minister Lekhak’s leadership, the Nepal Police arrested 7,943 individuals in drug-related cases in the fiscal year 2081/82—an increase of 1,210 from the previous year. The arrests included 307 Indian nationals and citizens from 18 other countries.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police Krishna Prasad Koirala, Chief of the Narcotics Control Bureau, 5,110 drug cases were registered last year. Seized substances included 20.9 kg of cocaine, 185 kg of opium, 48.5 kg of brown heroin, 829 kg of hashish, and 51.4 kg of marijuana. Additionally, authorities confiscated over 220,000 ampoules, 93,000 nitrazepam tablets, and 8,940 bottles of codeine syrup.

The rise in seizures and arrests has also led to increased prosecutions. Last year, 1,675 individuals were prosecuted—up from 1,193 the previous year.

Meanwhile, the Armed Police Force has intensified operations along the border, arresting 460 individuals and seizing large quantities of drugs.

Authorities say drug abuse is also fueling other crimes such as road accidents, suicides, and cybercrime.