The Royal Bhutan Police registered 31 illicit drug trafficking cases since the closure of borders on March 23. Of which, 10 of them have been sentenced between three years to 10 years in prison for the illegal transactions of controlled substances till date.
The Royal Bhutan Police have seized about 91,679 capsules of SP plus, 650 Nitrosun tablets and over 26 bottles of Corex even after the closure of all entry points in the country. This is excluding the number of controlled substances seized from various drug abusers.
Lobzang Dorji, the Superintendent of Police for the Narcotics Drugs and Other Vices Division says some people are ignoring the larger picture and indulging in this activity just for their own benefit. “Despite His Majesty’s reminder through the Royal Address to the nation recently, some people are still not cooperating. They are getting in touch with their sources across the border and smuggling drugs by throwing the controlled substances across the border walls and some are using the illegal routes. However, I think we have now got hold of almost all big smugglers,” he said.
Of the 31 illicit drug trafficking cases from across the country, Chhukha Dzongkhag topped the list with almost half of such cases registered in the district alone. Likewise, Thimphu and Paro Police station each registered 4 cases of illicit trafficking of drugs. Meanwhile, Trashigang and Trashi Yangtse district only recorded one case each.
In view of the rampant cases related to the smuggling of drugs at such difficult times, Police have further strengthened their vigilance and patrolling across the border areas.
“Now we have orders from above and we have strengthened our surveillance. Moreover, we have commands to complete such investigations as soon as possible and submit it to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG). From OAG as well, we have been getting a good response. Henceforth, we will severely penalise the drug traffickers by imposing them with the highest degree of a felony with regard to the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances,” he added.
Likewise, the Royal Bhutan Police have also arrested over 90 individuals in relation to illegal trafficking of tobacco products, alcohol, not adhering to government’s directive to close all shops and businesses by 7 PM, trying to cross borders and for other cases related to COVID-19 pandemic.
Passang Dorji
