Police in Siraha Municipality-17, Khairtoka, arrested hotel operator Ashok Yadav last night on charges of drug trafficking and immoral activities. The District Police Office, Siraha, confirmed the arrest and stated that an investigation is underway.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Basudev Pathak of the District Police Office, Siraha, said that Yadav was apprehended based on allegations of operating immoral activities and engaging in drug trafficking from his hotel. SP Pathak added that further details would be released only after the completion of the investigation.
Yadav is currently being held at the District Police Office, Siraha, as police conduct a detailed inquiry into the accusations against him.
Growing drug trafficking challenge in Madhesh Province
Police investigations indicate that Madhesh Province, which shares an open border with India, is increasingly becoming a transit point for drug trafficking. The province has seen a rise in both drug trafficking and the number of drug users.
In response, police in Madhesh Province have launched a special campaign against drug trafficking. The Madhesh Province government has also adopted a policy titled ‘Choose Sports, Stay Away from Drugs,’ aiming to protect youth from addiction.
Nepal has legal provisions to combat drug-related crimes, including the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, 2033. This act stipulates penalties ranging from one month to life imprisonment and fines up to Rs 2.5 million for individuals involved in drug offenses. Laws related to immoral activities, such as offenses against public peace, the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2064, and sexual harassment laws, may also be applicable in such cases.
What remains unknown
The specific details of the drug trafficking and immoral activities Yadav is accused of have not yet been made public. Police have also not disclosed the name of the hotel Yadav operated or his citizenship. The timeline for the completion of the investigation remains unknown.
