Inside Nepal Police's Drug Bust That Led To Seven Arrests In Two Border Cases

Nepal Police arrested seven suspects in two separate narcotics operations carried out on Sunday, July 13, in Pokhara and Sunsari. The arrests followed searches that uncovered illegal drugs allegedly being transported from India into Nepal, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle cross-border drug trafficking networks and prevent the distribution of controlled substances.

Five Indian Nationals Caught In Pokhara

The larger operation took place in Majuwa, Pokhara Metropolitan City–32, where a joint team from the Narcotics Control Bureau's Pokhara Office and the Area Police Office, Dandako Naak, intercepted an Indian-registered vehicle during a security check.

A search of the vehicle led officers to recover 1,800 ampoules of buprenorphine, diazepam and Phenergan, along with 510 Tramadol capsules. Police immediately took all five occupants into custody.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Bikash Kumar, Barjali Paswan, Abhakurar Mishra, Pritam Kumar and Abhishek Kumar Paswan, all residents of different parts of Gorakhpur, India.

Separate Brown Sugar Case In Sunsari

In another operation carried out in Sunsari District, police arrested Jamaluddin Miya and Imdad Miya, both 25 years old, after allegedly recovering 107.400 grams of brown sugar from their possession.

Investigators believe the narcotics had been transported into Nepal from across the Indian border. The two suspects are currently being held at the Area Police Office, Duhabi, while further inquiries continue.

Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Remains A Challenge

Nepal shares an open border with India, making it easier for people and goods to move between the two countries. While this supports trade and travel, law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that criminal groups also exploit the border to smuggle narcotics and other illegal items.

Police have increased surveillance in border districts and major transit routes, conducting regular vehicle inspections and intelligence-led operations to intercept illegal drug shipments before they reach local markets.

Investigation Continues

Authorities are now examining the source, intended destination, and possible distribution network connected to both seizures. Investigators are also working to determine whether the suspects were acting independently or were linked to larger trafficking groups operating across the Nepal–India border.

Police say further legal action will proceed based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.