"Community unity builds a stronger nation."
In line with International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking on June 26, Deputy Chief of Police (DCoP), Colonel Passang Dorji sends a strong message to everyone for creating a drug-free society.
In response to the increasing substances abusers in the country and adhering to His Majesty the King's address during the 115th national day to pave a better way for youth, the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) under the involvement of the Chief of Police himself has made the implementation process stricter with dedicated and concentrated function in all police divisions with dedicated drug crackdown units.
According to the statistics with police, between January and June 25 this year, police apprehended 1702 individuals for criminal incidences of which 796 individuals were arrested on drug cases.
Thimphu division arrested the highest – 269 individuals, Phuentsholing in the close second with 242 cases. Meanwhile, Bumthang recorded only one case in the past six months.
DCoP said that police require public support in its strict enforcement and implementation efforts to ensure that drug problems and instances are eliminated from society. "The problem of substance abuse has spread across the country, and unlike other cases, if RBP does not actively monitor it, there won't be many coming forward to file complaints." He credited the establishment of police drug squads and frequent border surveillance that has improved the quality of community service.
"Police is not trying to create public fear rather correct the criminal incidents in the country as a measure to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking," he said.
The Integrated Check-Posts (ICPs), he said, have helped the police to keep track of criminals and timely intervention. "Similarly, the mandatory nationwide drug test that is underway will be carried out to all drivers: professional driving license (PDL) holders, government vehicle drivers, military personnel, and private drivers."
According to police records, 107 drivers with PDL tested positive – of the 3,096 tested. Of which, 14 were taxi drivers, 31 were private employees, 4 were students, 36 were unemployed and 22 other drivers tested positive for drugs.
Going by the reported cases, 2022 was the year with the highest number of people involved in drug-related cases in the last five years. A total of 2,836 individuals were arrested for crime compared to 2,572 cases in 2021.
Last year, drug-related crimes amounted to 19.9 percent of all criminal activity. In terms of particular forms of drug crimes in 2022, substance abuse accounted for 78 percent, followed by illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances at 36 percent.
World Drug Day, marked on June 26 every year is to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse. For this year the theme is “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.”
No comments:
Post a Comment