Police records show a slight decrease in students arrested for drug abuse over the past two years. However, the number of students abusing narcotic drugs such as cannabis, along with solvent drugs like thinner, has increased. Authorities attribute the trend of solvent abuse among younger adolescents to the easy availability of these substances and a general lack of awareness among guardians. According to the police, many such cases often go unreported.
In 2023, more than 470 students were arrested for drug-related offences. The number slightly decreased last year, with 445 arrests.
So far, this year, more than 150 students have been arrested. In total, nearly 1,070 students have been apprehended in connection with drug offences from 2023 to date.
As per the data, cannabis is the most abused drug among students across all three years. In 2023, nearly 200 students were reported to be abusing the drug, which increased to 225 last year. Close to 60 cases were reported as of May this year.
Thinner abuse, under the solvent and inhalant drugs, followed with 128 cases in 2023, which increased to 129 last year and 47 cases have been recorded until May this year.
According to police, many students and young individuals begin their journey into drug abuse through substances like cannabis and thinner drugs that are easily accessible and often underestimated in their harmful impact.
Alongside cannabis and solvent abuse, poly-drug use has also emerged. Poly-drug use refers to abusing a combination of substances at a time.
In 2023, almost 110 students were arrested for using multiple drugs. The number decreased by half last year, and more than 20 cases have been reported as of May this year.
Meanwhile, student abuse of SP+ capsules shows a declining trend. Nearly 40 cases were recorded in 2023, which dropped to 30 in 2024. As of May this year, more than 25 cases have been reported.
At the school level, authorities are emphasising counselling and awareness programmes, not just for students, but also for their guardians, to help them better understand the dangers of substance abuse and how to respond early.
“For students struggling with drug abuse, we provide both individual and group counselling sessions. When needed, we also seek support from the national referral hospital and The PEMA Centre for additional guidance and treatment. At the same time, we involve the parents and guardians, helping them understand how to support their child’s recovery,” said Tashi Wangmo, a counsellor at Yangchenphug HSS, Thimphu.
“We rarely find students abusing drugs within the school compound. But when such cases do occur, we respond based on the severity of the addiction or abuse. In serious cases, we involve the student’s parents and, if necessary, inform the police. In less severe cases, we call in the parents for a discussion and refer the student for counselling,” said Tshering Tashi, the vice principal of Babesa HSS, Thimphu.
The slight drop in student drug arrests may offer some hope, but the continued abuse of easily available substances like cannabis and thinner calls for sustained vigilance. As schools, parents, and authorities work together, the fight against youth drug abuse hinges on awareness, timely support, and a collective commitment to safeguarding the future of Bhutan’s younger generation.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Phub Gyem
