Drug Network Tightens Grip on Birendranagar, Capital of Karnali Province

Surkhet. The capital of Karnali Province, Birendranagar, is gradually being ensnared by a drug network. The recent arrests related to drug trafficking and consumption within Birendranagar indicate a rise in both dealers and users.

On Monday alone, police arrested six drug users and two dealers simultaneously. All arrested drug users were vehicle drivers. "During testing using a drug test kit, it was found that these vehicle drivers had consumed drugs," said Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohanjung Budhathapa of the District Police Office, Surkhet, to Ratopati. "This is a very alarming situation."

The arrested drivers include 28-year-old Ajay Thapa from Birgunj Metropolitan City-8, Parsa; 25-year-old Kasiram Dangi from Birendranagar Municipality-11; 24-year-old Hikmat Shahi and 25-year-old Jeevan Shahi from Chamunda Bindrasaini Municipality-7, Dailekh.

Similarly, 25-year-old Prakash BK from Birendranagar Municipality-11 and 25-year-old Dilbahadur BK from Gurans Rural Municipality-4, Dailekh, were also arrested.

The drug dealers were arrested around 10 AM on Monday from Birendranagar Municipality-11 along with 8 grams and 180 milligrams of narcotics. Those arrested are 20-year-old Saurav Sunar from Birendranagar-1 and Narendra Tiruwa from Dullu Municipality-13, Dailekh.

This is just one example. Surkhet police frequently take drug dealers and users into custody from Birendranagar almost daily. In the last 15 days alone (Magh 11-26), police arrested 18 drug dealers and users. Fourteen people have been arrested since the 22nd.

According to police statistics, a total of 35 grams and 669 milligrams of narcotics were recovered from those arrested. DSP Budhathapa stated that in the last four days alone, 15 grams and 160 milligrams of narcotics and 31 Nitrazepam tablets were recovered.

On Magh 22, four people, including one young woman, were arrested with 1 gram and 560 milligrams of narcotics and 31 Nitrazepam tablets.

According to the police, primarily the younger generation, aged between 18 and 30, are heavily involved in drug trafficking.

Although drug trafficking appears to occur in almost all areas of the provincial capital, it is particularly prevalent in areas like the bus park, Erichowk, Bhairavsthan, and Tatapani. Some time ago, police raided a small paan shop in Erichowk where drug dealing was taking place.

Furthermore, police have also recovered banned medicines from several pharmacies in Birendranagar.

The District Police Office Chief (SP) Sudhirraj Shahi stated that while complaints regarding drugs are received from various parts of the district, most dealers and users are found within Birendranagar. "We are receiving extensive complaints about drugs, and we are trying our best to control them meticulously," Shahi added.

However, police officers involved in the investigation suggest that the import of drugs into Birendranagar needs to be seriously investigated, and corresponding 'action' must be taken.

According to an investigating officer, current investigations suggest that drugs enter Birendranagar via Nepalgunj, which borders India. However, since sales and distribution occur in small quantities, controlling the main source is proving difficult, he explained.

"Areas under suspicion, such as checkpoints in Babai and Chhinchu, are strictly monitored," the investigating officer said, "but small-scale drug trafficking still occurs."

According to him, because the quantities are small, they are smuggled in discreetly and then sold in the market. Stakeholders are expressing concern that drugs have become a major problem in the capital, Birendranagar, in public forums.

"Especially those who come down to Birendranagar from the hills in search of education or work are often falling into the drug network out of the temptation to earn quick money," said another police officer. "Their parents cannot provide them with the money they desire, and they end up ruining their lives with drugs to keep up with the market situation."

He added that recently, dealers have also been found luring young women from villages into the drug network. Police frequently receive information about people engaging in abnormal behavior after consuming drugs near temples and in parks.

• Police Launch 'Special Operation'

As drug addiction has become a major challenge in Birendranagar, the police are also concerned. Taking general complaints into consideration, the police have now launched a 'Special Operation' regarding narcotics.

To control drug addicts and bring the culprits to justice, the District Police Office, Surkhet, has operationalized a 'Rapid Drug Testing Kit'. SP Sudhirraj Shahi explains that this method makes it easier to identify users.

"Drug addiction is one of the main problems; the adolescents here are getting trapped in it," Shahi said. "This affects personal, social, and family life. It is also becoming a cause for various crimes and adds a challenge to the peace and security of society."

He states that the number of drug users in Birendranagar is increasing day by day. To stop this, SP Shahi announced that through community-police partnership programs and coordination with everyone, drug users will be identified using 'drug testing kits' and legal action will be taken.

According to him, this method quickly, simply, and scientifically detects whether an individual has consumed drugs or not. The police are taking the initiative to control drugs and prevent addiction through four methods.

Currently, testing is being carried out in designated testing areas within Birendranagar, including Subbakuna, Bangesimal, Pipira, Chhinchu, Babiyachaur, and the Bus Park.

• What are the Legal Provisions?

The Narcotic Drugs Control Act, 2033 (Bikram Sambat) is in place in Nepal. Accordingly, the police regulate drug-related activities.

Narcotics include cannabis, medicinal cannabis, opium, and coca leaves. Under this act, cultivating, producing, buying, or selling cannabis is prohibited.

Chapter 3 of the Act prescribes imprisonment for up to one month or a fine of up to two thousand rupees for a person consuming cannabis, while imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to ten thousand rupees is prescribed for consuming opium, coca, or drugs made from them.

Similarly, those involved in the sale or smuggling of narcotics face imprisonment ranging from three months to 10 years, along with fines up to 2.5 million rupees, depending on the outcome.