Home Minister Announces Plan to Set Up Drug Control Department

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has announced that the government will set up a dedicated Drug Control Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs within the upcoming fiscal year.

Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu on Thursday to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Minister Lekhak said drug control remains a top priority for the government. He highlighted that drug abuse is a major root cause of suicide, road accidents, and cybercrimes, stressing the need for stronger efforts in prevention and control.

The minister also noted that drug-related offenses account for the second-highest number of inmates in Nepal’s prisons, underlining the scale of the challenge the country faces in tackling narcotics.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deepak Thapa has stressed the need for a united front to combat drug abuse and trafficking, calling it a global problem that requires serious attention.

Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Thursday, IGP Thapa said the Nepal Police is actively working to control and prevent drug-related crimes. He warned that drug abuse has a direct negative impact on peace and security, and emphasized the urgent need for collective commitment to fight against it.

He also informed that on Thursday alone, police seized nearly 350 quintals of hashish from Birgunj and took several individuals into custody in connection with the case.

This year, Nepal is observing the international day under the theme: “Commitment to a healthy, civilized, and safe society: Solidarity against drug abuse." 

The day is marked globally on June 26 each year to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of global cooperation in combating drug trafficking.