Govt to set up drug control department

KATHMANDU: In a major step to curb the growing abuse and illegal trafficking of narcotics in Nepal, the government is set to establish a dedicated and autonomous “Drug Control Department” under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak made this announcement while addressing a special ceremony in Kathmandu on Thursday, held to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Minister Lekhak emphasized that drug control has been given high priority by the government and that an institutional mechanism is essential to tackle the issue effectively. “The government has decided to form a specialized department to address the structural gap in our response to the drug problem,” he stated.

Citing alarming statistics, the Minister said, “Among prisoners across the country, drug-related cases account for the second-highest number. This clearly highlights the severity of the issue.”

Minister Lekhak affirmed his commitment, saying, “In response to long-standing public demands, I am announcing today that a Drug Control Department will be established under the Ministry of Home Affairs in the upcoming fiscal year. Preparations for this have already begun.”

Highlighting the hidden damage drugs cause to society and their connection to other serious crimes, the Home Minister expressed confidence that the new department will work in an integrated manner on prevention, control, investigation, and rehabilitation.