KATHMANDU, Sept 9: An extensive cannabis smuggling network spanning Nepal and India has been uncovered, revealing the ease with which marijuana is being cultivated in Nepal and trafficked across the border. Recent investigations have shown that smugglers from both countries are using bribery to coerce Nepali security personnel into facilitating the illicit trade.

In July, Indian authorities arrested Akhtar Sah, the Mukhiya (village head) of Bakhri Panchayat in Bihar’s Motihari district, with a large stash of cannabis that had been smuggled from Nepal. The raid on Sah's residence yielded 131 kilograms of marijuana, exposing his role in the cross-border smuggling ring.

During his interrogation, Sah admitted to working with both Nepali and Indian traffickers, as well as local security forces, to move cannabis from Nepal into India. According to Bihar-based Adapur Police Station’s Chief Dhananjaya Kumar Sharma, who led the operation, Sah had been smuggling marijuana from Nepal into various Indian states for some time. "His operation was well-coordinated with Nepali smugglers and local security personnel, who allowed the cannabis to cross the border undetected," Sharma said.

Further investigations have linked Sah to a prominent political figure in Nepal, as well as a senior police official. This connection has raised serious questions about the involvement of high-level officials in the drug trade.

In August, Nepal Police arrested Fulsharif Miya in Parsa, seizing nearly 200 kilograms of hashish and marijuana powder intended for smuggling into India. Miya, a well-known figure in the local narcotics trade, had long been wanted by both Nepali and Indian security forces. His gang has reportedly been active in transporting cannabis from production sites in Nepal’s forests and foothills to India.

Earlier in June, another significant seizure took place when police in Bara intercepted an Indian truck carrying 270 kilograms of marijuana. The truck, with Indian license plates, was en route to India when officers discovered the contraband hidden in the vehicle’s cabin.

These arrests have shed light on the vast network of cannabis cultivation and trafficking between Nepal and India, with both countries’ authorities ramping up efforts to crack down on the illegal trade. However, the involvement of security personnel in facilitating smuggling operations has posed a significant obstacle to these efforts.

 
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