Bumthang Police arrested seven men in a span of four days in connection with two cases of marijuana harvesting and possession of hashish.
The first group of suspects, three men, and a class XI student were arrested on July 15 in Thangbi village under Chhoekhor Gewog following a tip-off. The suspects were in possession of three pieces of hashish weighing more than eight grams and over 100 grams of cannabis. All of them also tested positive for marijuana use.
The second group of suspects, three men in their early twenties were apprehended from Dekiling town yesterday. They were caught with six grams of hashish.
According to the Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Substance Abuse (Amendment) Act of Bhutan 2018, any individual in possession of less than or equal to 7 grams of cannabis and its derivatives shall be guilty of the offense of illegal possession. Any possession above 7 grams shall be guilty of the offense of illicit trafficking.
Meanwhile, to overcome such issues in the district, Bumthang police initiated a three-day mass marijuana plant uprooting campaign with over 800 participants. The campaign, which began today, will cover Bumthang town and Chhoekhor Gewog.
Kipchu Thshering
