UDAYAPUR, Dec 24: Police in Udayapur district have arrested as many as 122 people suspected of being involved in drug smuggling and usage. Among the arrested, District Police Office (DPO), Udayapur has filed cases against 56 suspects in the district court.
The recent revelation has led the police to suspect that the trade and use of illegal drugs have increased drastically of late. Organizing a press conference in the district on Saturday, the DPO informed that they have run a dedicated campaign against illicit drug trade and usage.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Nawaraj Bhatta, chief of the DPO, they have been able to curb such crime and launch an effective investigation through active collaboration of the district residents. “This has enabled us to achieve more than expected in minimizing such crimes,” he said.
Women in drug trafficking
In the previous fiscal year, the DPO had filed 25 cases against drug smugglers and users. The effectiveness of the police campaign this year has been illustrated by the arrest of 122 suspects in just four months and registering of cases against 56 suspects, said Bhatta.
In total, 87 suspects have been released on bail while 20 are currently serving under custody for investigation.
According to Police Inspector Devi Prasad Fago, chief of the legal section at the DPO, Peshal Ghimire, 30, of Triyuga Municipality-10, who is thought to be the main accused in the drug trafficking racket of the district, is also among those in custody.
Likewise, smuggling suspects Amrit Mahato, Diwash Rai, Arun Jung Karki, Gaurab Dungel, Sanjay Chaudhary and Matebul Miyan are also in custody for investigation.
“We did not imagine the numbers of drug users and smugglers to be this high,” said SP Bhatta. “The arrests have exposed deep webs of the trade. Our investigation is ongoing,” he added.
The DPO said they are making special plans to minimize crimes related to illegal drug dealings. Police have urged for continuous support from the public stating that it is impossible to control and minimize the crime without their support.
