Driver Caught For Carrying 319 kg of Hashish in Truck
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Driver Caught For Carrying 319 kg of Hashish in Truck by the Parsa District Police carrying from Kathmandu to Birgunj. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officers from the Sirsia based Parsa Police Station intercepted the truck at Parwanipur Chowk, located in Birgunj Metropolitan City Ward No. 21.
The driver, identified as Buddhi Bahadur Syangtan, was taken into custody after a thorough search of the vehicle revealed 319 kilograms of hashish neatly packed in 13 large bags concealed within the cargo. In addition to the narcotics, police also seized Rs 192,000 in cash and the cargo truck itself, which was being used as a means of transportation for the illicit drug trade.
According to authorities, the hashish was likely intended for distribution in border regions or potentially for international smuggling through India, given Birgunj proximity to the Nepal India border, a known hotspot for cross border drug trafficking.
The Parsa District Court has granted police five extensions to detain the suspect for further interrogation and investigation. Officials are now working to uncover the full extent of the drug network, including possible collaborators, trafficking routes, and end recipients of the contraband.
Nepal, once known for its historical association with cannabis, has faced increasing challenges in recent years due to the rising trade of hashish and other illegal drugs. Although the cultivation, sale, and consumption of cannabis were criminalized in 1976, illegal production has persisted in remote areas, often facilitated by organized crime networks.
Authorities have increased surveillance and border checks in light of a surge in drug smuggling cases. According to the Narcotics Control Bureau of Nepal, there has been a noticeable uptick in large volume seizures of hashish in recent years, signaling growing demand and organized trafficking operations.
Experts say the latest seizure highlights the need for more robust law enforcement cooperation between Nepal and its neighboring countries, especially India, to stem the tide of cross border narcotics trafficking. They also emphasize the importance of community awareness programs and socio economic initiatives to provide alternatives to those involved in the drug trade out of economic desperation.
As investigations continue, the Parsa police have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling drug networks operating in the region and bringing those responsible to justice.
