The Nepal Weekly 
June 27, 2023
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has said joint efforts are needed to combat drug abuse and manage its multidimensional consequences. Addressing a programme organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Kathmandu on Monday to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking-2023, the Minister said the containment of drug abuse was necessary to advance towards a healthy, civilized and a prosperous society.
The Minister utilised the forum to express the government’s commitment to implementing preventive measures against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in a more effective manner in coordination and cooperation with the entire State bodies. Public awareness plays a significant role in prohibiting the drug abuse, he pointed out.
“It is urgent to forge a national unity against drug-related crime to pursue holistic development and prosperity of the nation, peace and order and the good governance,” the Home Minister said, adding that dedicated efforts from all quarters were vital to implement national policies and strategies and legal provisions against drug abuse effectively.
Home Secretary Dinesh Bhattarai said the drug abuse could result in severe health complications on the users, leading to the separation of a family and a rise in social disorder and financial crimes, posing a grave threat to security and thus it must be prevented.
There are 130,424 drug abusers across the country at present, according to data provided by the Ministry. The police arrested 4,220 people in drug abuse cases as of Chaitra, 2079 BS and drug abuse cases have made up 20.73 percent of the total crime cases.
Five thousand nine hundred eleven people have been serving term in prison in drug abuse cases, and around 5,000 drug abusers have been in rehabilitation centres. Awareness programmes were organised, videos played, plays and dances performed, and poems recited with the involvement of the police, Armed Police Force and students.
