The country has been seeing an increase in the number of reported crime rates and in particular, drug-related cases in recent years. Responding to Bumdeling-Jamkhar MP’s question on the trend in the National Assembly yesterday, the Home Affairs Minister said the increase is attributed to constant patrolling by police.
During the question hour session yesterday at the National Assembly, the Bumdeling-Jamkhar MP Dupthob raised concerns over the significant increase in crime rates across the country.
As of August this year, police said they recorded more than 950 drug-related cases and arrested over 1,700 individuals. These figures are the highest recorded so far.
“This does not mean that drug users and those trafficking substances have increased. The police recognised drug use and trafficking to be the biggest problem and they have been patrolling,” said Ugyen Dorji, Home Affairs Minister.
BBS talked with some residents in districts with the highest number of drug-related cases and arrests. People said police are patrolling the area making it safe.
“Police are patrolling everywhere in Phuentshogling. It is benefiting the residents a lot. There used to be a lot of incidents of criminal activities before but now, thanks to the police, the crime rates have fallen,” said Tshering Wangdi, a resident of Phuentshogling.
“Patrolling is helpful. Otherwise, our crime rates will keep on increasing. Patrolling will help control the number of crimes,” said Dorji Jamtsho, a resident of Paro.
“Earlier, it was unsafe for us to go out at night. All the youths used to hang around. But now, we feel safe to go outside at night as police are carrying out patrolling,” said Pema Tashi, another resident.
According to the Home Affairs minister, the police are carrying out a sensitisation programme on laws for the youth and students in schools and colleges. This, the minister said is expected to reduce the crime rate.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Tshering Zam
