MP Nischal Rai Highlights Inadequacy of Current Laws to Combat Rising Drug Problem

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress lawmaker Nischal Rai has stated that the current structure and legal provisions are insufficient to address the country's rapidly growing serious problem of narcotics. Speaking at a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the House of Representatives on Thursday, he drew the government's attention to policy reform and the construction of new structures. Lawmaker Rai emphasized the immediate implementation of the Narcotics Control Department, as stipulated in the 'National Master Plan for Narcotics Prevention and Control 2079-2084', which has yet to be established. He expressed strong dissatisfaction that the draft prepared to amend the Narcotics Control Policy, 2063, has been pending for the past four years, and the draft to amend the Narcotics Control Act, 2033, has been shelved for the past eight years. Mentioning that the 'urine kit' used for testing drug users is extremely expensive, he presented data at the meeting showing that 13 out of 19 individuals tested at the Kakadvitta border point tested positive for drug use. Questioning the style of the current awareness programs, Lawmaker Rai argued that some counseling provided in schools and colleges actually sparks curiosity in students. He said at the meeting, 'Earlier, this problem seemed confined to the Terai and border areas, but it is now rapidly spreading to newly urbanizing settlements in the hilly regions as well. It has been observed that providing information about drugs with photos and names through PowerPoint presentations creates a desire among adolescents to try them once.' Stating that the committees led by the District Administration Office have not been effective, he suggested arranging for skilled counselors at the local level. He also specifically urged the Home Administration to maintain strict surveillance in areas like Katari Municipality, having received information that some medical practitioners themselves are involved in the illegal sale and distribution of narcotics. He stated that drug users should be viewed as patients rather than criminals, and a significant change in the perspective of society and the administration is necessary on this issue. He emphasized the need to establish a separate specialized cell within the administration and take strict legal action against the main traffickers involved in the smuggling and sale of narcotics for a permanent solution to the problem.