Police in Siraha arrested two individuals on Sunday evening with over 53 grams of a brown heroin-like substance, highlighting the ongoing challenges in drug control in Madhesh Province. The arrests were made in Golbazar Municipality-4, Nipaniya Chowk, Siraha district.
A team led by Police Inspector Deepak Kharel of the Area Police Office, Golbazar, Siraha, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau Branch Office, Bardibas, Mahottari, made the arrests. The individuals were intercepted while traveling north on an FZS motorcycle at approximately 5:30 PM on Sunday.
Details of the arrest and seizure
During the inspection, police recovered a brown heroin-like substance and a mobile phone from Ajay Kumar Yadav, 31, of Sukhipur Municipality-5, Siraha. The seized substance, including its plastic packaging, weighed 58.52 grams. Without the packaging, it weighed 53.03 grams.
Additionally, a black digital scale marked ‘AC’ was found on Arvind Kumar Yadav, 25, of Sukhipur Municipality-10, Siraha, who was riding pillion on the motorcycle. The FZS motorcycle, bearing registration number MA State 01006PA 5139, was also taken into police custody.
Both individuals have been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway with the seized substances and other materials.
Madhesh Province and drug trafficking challenges
Madhesh Province, with all eight of its districts bordering India, faces significant challenges in controlling drug trafficking due to the open border. Traffickers often exploit this porous border to smuggle and transport illicit drugs.
According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Uma Prasad Churtuvedi, chief of the Madhesh Province Police Office, there is a large network of drug trafficking in Madhesh Province, and police have intensified their campaign across all eight districts. In the last fiscal year 2080/81 (BS), 1,108 individuals were arrested in Madhesh Province in connection with various prohibited narcotics.
Police statistics indicate a rise in economic crimes, suicides, drug abuse, and road accidents in Madhesh Province. Drug addiction remains a serious problem in the region, with the open border making control particularly challenging.
Legal framework for drug control
In Nepal, the sale and distribution of cannabis-related substances were openly permitted before 2033 BS. However, with the implementation of the Narcotics Control Act, 2033 (BS), drugs were legally prohibited. Global efforts to control narcotics began after the United Nations Economic and Social Council implemented the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961.
The Nepal Police has launched a major campaign against drug abuse and traffickers. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also made local levels responsible for drug control and prevention by issuing the ‘Guidance to Local Levels on Operating Programs Related to Drug Control and Prevention 2076 (BS)’.
Next steps and unknowns
Police have initiated further investigation into both arrested individuals and the seized items. The laboratory test results to confirm whether the brown heroin-like substance is indeed heroin have not yet been released. Additionally, it is not yet known if the arrested individuals are connected to a larger drug trafficking network.
