Kathmandu, June 26: The government is set to establish a dedicated department for the drug control.
This information was shared here today at a programme held on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which is observed on June 26 each year.
It has been said the department will be established in the upcoming fiscal year.
During the programme, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced the government plan of setting up the department dedicated to drug control.
On the occasion, he said that the Ministry has already been implementing awareness programmes and prevention efforts along with provisions of punishment against drug abuse.
As he said, drug abuse is the reason for various unwanted consequences, including road accidents, suicides, cybercrimes, and other incidents.
Underlining the need of its prevention, he highlighted the need for public awareness towards that end.
“Our society has been affected by drug abuse in a devastating way and awareness programmes against drug abuse must reach communities, homes, neighbourhoods, and schools,” the Minister asserted.
Appealing to one and all to join hands in the campaign against drugs, the Minister said the government efforts against drug abuse alone are not enough to meet the goals.
Presenting the data that the present number of drug users across the country is around 134,000, he said the society has suffered severe consequences of drug abuse.
“Drug abusers, suppliers and those involved in its storage make up the second highest portion among the prisoners across the country,” he said, indicating the gravity of this issue.
Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi, Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa, Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and representatives from various concerned bodies, as well as government and non-government organizations attended the event.
