Drug Smugglers Caught in Kathmandu
KATHMANDU, June 16
In a major breakthrough against the illegal drug trade, two Drug Smugglers Caught in Kathmandu, including a repeat narcotics offender, and seized a massive quantity of banned pharmaceutical drugs during a surprise operation in the capital.
Acting on a tip-off, a team from the Kuleshwor Police Station under the District Police Range (DPR), Kathmandu, launched a targeted operation in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-14, Balkhu. The team received intelligence about an Indian vehicle being used to distribute narcotics in the area, prompting immediate deployment.
During routine checking near the busy fruit market in Balkhu, police stopped a suspicious car bearing an Indian registration number, UP 78 CB 9835. Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers discovered a sophisticated concealment mechanism. Narcotics and related paraphernalia were found hidden inside an empty oxygen cylinder in the vehicle door and inside the trunk, an indication of deliberate smuggling tactics.
The police seized 8,290 strips of the prescription drug Tramadol, totaling 82,900 capsules. Tramadol is a powerful opioid analgesic that has been banned in Nepal due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. The large quantity seized suggests a well organized drug distribution network.
Along with the narcotics, officers also recovered two mobile phones, one oxygen cylinder, and cash amounting to Rs 65,000. The vehicle used in the transport has been impounded for forensic inspection and further investigation.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Raju Mijar, 26, originally from Panchakanya Rural Municipality-2, currently residing in Balkhu, and Meena Magar, 24, also a resident of Balkhu. Police records confirm that Raju Mijar is a repeat drug offender with prior cases filed by several law enforcement agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Jagati Police Circle in Bhaktapur, and the Thankot Police Circle.
Officials from the DPR stated that the arrest was part of an ongoing anti narcotics campaign initiated to combat the rising incidence of drug abuse and illegal trafficking in urban areas. The use of Indian vehicles for transporting contraband across the border has become an emerging concern for Nepalese authorities, who are now increasing surveillance and patrols in high-risk zones.
This operation reflects the Nepal Police commitment to identifying repeat offenders and dismantling organized drug syndicates that prey on vulnerable populations, especially youth. The authorities are also looking into possible cross border connections and whether the suspects were part of a larger regional drug trafficking ring.
The Nepal Police have emphasized that narcotics such as Tramadol are strictly controlled under the Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act, 2033 (1976). Possession, distribution, or transportation of such substances without authorization can lead to harsh penalties, including long term imprisonment and heavy fines.
Police are currently interrogating the suspects and tracing their communication records to uncover additional links in the supply chain. Investigators are also analyzing the Indian registration of the vehicle to determine how it entered Nepal and whether it has been involved in previous smuggling activities.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to drug dealing or illegal substance abuse. Citizens can notify local police stations or use anonymous tip lines to assist ongoing efforts to make Kathmandu safer and drug free.
As part of its broader strategy, the Nepal Police continue to collaborate with local communities, NGOs, and international partners to conduct awareness programs, rehabilitation initiatives, and targeted enforcement operations.
This latest arrest serves as a reminder of the growing complexities of drug trafficking and the importance of proactive policing and community support in addressing it.
