KATHMANDU, June 26: Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has announced that the government will establish a separate department dedicated to controlling drug abuse.
Speaking at an event organized in Kathmandu on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, Minister Lekhak said that drug control remains a top priority for the government.
Govt. committed to curb drug abuse-related crimes: Home Ministe...
“We will set up a Drug Control Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs in the upcoming fiscal year,” he said, “The ministry is working on awareness programs, prevention efforts, and stricter enforcement to tackle the issue.”
Home Minister also pointed out that drug abuse is linked to rising cases of road accidents, suicide, and cybercrimes. “Prevention is the key. Public awareness is crucial,” he said, “The misuse of drugs is severely affecting our society. Therefore, awareness campaigns should reach homes, communities, and schools.”
Urging collective action, Minister Lekhak noted that government efforts alone would not be enough to control the growing crisis. “Data shows that there are around 134,000 drug users in Nepal,” he said, “A large number of inmates in prisons across the country have been convicted for drug abuse, smuggling, or possession. This clearly reflects the scale of the problem.”
