Kailali District Faces Persistent Drug-Related Challenges Within Prison System

Dhangadhi: Kailali Jail is grappling with a concerning influx of individuals enmeshed in drug-related activities, exacerbating the already congested correctional environment. The prison has observed a notable prevalence of detainees involved in drug trafficking, distribution, and consumption, thereby exacerbating the strain on its resources. Drug-related offenses continue to constitute a significant portion of the incarcerated population, with an intricate interplay of diverse criminal profiles further congesting the correctional facility.

During the fiscal year 2079/80 BS, the District Court of Kailali registered a total of 423 cases pertaining to drug-related transgressions. Within this period, adjudication was completed for 306 cases, while 117 cases remain pending. As of the conclusion of Asardha 2079, the court documented 356 cases related to drug offenses, 48 cases involving marijuana, and an additional 19 distinct cases. Among these, verdicts have been reached for 246 drug-related cases, leaving 110 cases in an ongoing state of deliberation. Similarly, 41 cases related to ganja and charas (cannabis derivatives) have concluded, with 7 cases currently awaiting resolution.

Kailali's geographical proximity to India, characterized by an open border, has contributed to its emergence as a 'transit point' for illicit drug trafficking. Exploiting the porous border, traffickers have seamlessly imported narcotics from India, perpetuating an escalation in the local consumption rates within Kailali.

Alarmingly, a considerable portion of the youth demographic has become ensnared in drug-related activities. Law enforcement officials express concern over the rising incidence of drug use, particularly among adolescents and young women, attributing this trend to the expanding availability and circulation of narcotics.

The surge in drug-related issues is paralleled by an escalation in various other criminal enterprises involving the youth population. Both the trade and consumption of drugs have shown an upward trajectory within the Dhangadhi region. However, local authorities have yet to undertake substantial initiatives to combat this burgeoning crisis.

Since assuming the role of Sudurpaschim Province Police Chief, DIG Bharat Bohara of the Nepal Police has made notable strides in addressing the issue. In the span of four months, his tenure has seen the apprehension of 365 individuals involved in drug consumption, transportation, and trafficking, resulting in 216 prosecutions.

Dr. Prabhat Kumar Sapkota, a renowned specialist in drug addiction, underscores the imperative of a nuanced approach to tackling drug-related concerns. Emphasizing the affliction of drug addiction as a medical condition, Dr. Sapkota asserts that mere incarceration fails to offer a sustainable solution. Proposing an alternative perspective, he advocates for an approach focused on holistic treatment, suggesting that the dispensation of necessary medications can facilitate the recovery of drug addicts. Resonating with a forward-looking perspective, he maintains that the long-term resolution of this issue necessitates a comprehensive strategy transcending conventional punitive measures.