𝐑𝐁𝐏 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬

…𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒑𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍-𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Kezang Choden

The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) has raised alarm over the escalating cases of hard drug abuse and trafficking, particularly involving brown sugar and heroin. Recent data indicates a significant rise in drug-related offenses across the country, with urban centers such as Thimphu, Phuentsholing, and Samtse experiencing the most notable surges.

According to official figures from the RBP, Thimphu’s Division Eleven has recorded the highest number of cases in 2024, with 45 individuals apprehended for hard drug abuse and 32 cases registered. This marks a dramatic rise compared to 2023, which saw 22 abusers and 18 cases, and 2022, with only two abusers and one registered case. The data points to a more than twentyfold increase in reported abusers over three years.

Phuentsholing (Division Three) also reported a significant increase. In 2024, 44 abusers were recorded with 33 cases filed, up from 32 abusers and 26 cases in 2023, and 12 abusers and eight cases in 2022. Only two cases involving three individuals were reported in 2021, reflecting a steep year-on-year escalation.

Samtse (Division Four) presented a slightly different trajectory. While the number of abusers dropped to 18 in 2024 from 26 in 2023, the figures remain concerning when viewed against the three abusers recorded in 2022. The trend suggests persistent drug-related challenges, albeit on a smaller scale.

Colonel Passang Dorji, Chief Deputy of the RBP, highlighted the complexity of the issue: “The number of abusers is consistently higher than the number of reported cases. This indicates that multiple individuals are often involved in a single case, pointing to group consumption and possibly wider networks of distribution.”

Data from Gelephu (Division Five) further highlights the growing threat in southern border towns. In 2024, eight cases involving eight abusers were reported, compared to six abusers across five cases in 2023 and three abusers in two cases in 2022.

Samdrup Jongkhar (Division Eight) also remains vulnerable, with eight abusers in six cases recorded in 2024. Although this is a slight drop from 14 abusers in 10 cases in 2023, the numbers remain elevated when compared to previous years.

In Paro (Division One), the 2023 report recorded seven abusers in five cases, while 2021 saw three abusers in a single case. Punakha (Division Two) had three abusers in two cases, and Tsirang (Division Six) recorded one abuser in one case in 2023. In 2024, Trashigang registered two abusers in one case.

Nationwide, 2024 has already seen 125 individuals apprehended for hard drug abuse across 94 cases, compared to 111 abusers in 84 cases in 2023. This continues a sharp upward trend from just 20 abusers in 13 cases in 2022 and six abusers in three cases in 2021.

Authorities attribute the increase in hard drug abuse to multiple factors, including porous borders, growing peer influence among youth, and easier access to narcotics through illegal channels.

“Group consumption, border vulnerabilities, and increased urban mobility are contributing to the complexity of the problem,” said Colonel Passang. “What we are seeing is not just a rise in numbers, but a shift in the nature of drug abuse. It is becoming more organized and deeply embedded in social patterns.”

Officials fear Bhutan may also be emerging as a transit point for international drug trafficking networks. “This is a worrying sign that our country is at risk of being exploited by cross-border syndicates,” he added.
The RBP has stepped up enforcement, conducting regular surveillance and collaborating with relevant agencies. In recent months, several arrests have been made, although officials caution that the networks involved appear more extensive and sophisticated than previously known.

To address the growing problem, authorities are adopting a multi-pronged approach. Alongside strict enforcement, the RBP is launching community-based awareness campaigns, especially targeting youth. Schools, youth groups, and local leaders are being encouraged to play an active role in prevention efforts.

Starting this year, awareness initiatives will also be extended to religious institutions, including the Zhung Dratshang (Central Monastic Body). “We are including the Dratshang because monks and young learners in monastic institutions are also part of our society and not immune to such influences,” said Colonel Passang.

The awareness programs aim to educate young people on the dangers of drug use, legal consequences, and long-term physical and mental health impacts. Hard drugs like heroin and brown sugar are not only costly but also lead to severe and often irreversible health consequences.

The RBP has consistently emphasized the importance of community support. “We cannot tackle this alone,” said Colonel Passang. “We need the support and cooperation of the public. Community vigilance is essential. Reporting suspicious activities and spreading awareness can make a significant difference.”

Law enforcement agencies continue to expand outreach, calling on families, educators, religious figures, and civil society to contribute to the national response. The RBP has reiterated its appeal to the public to report drug-related activities and support the protection of vulnerable groups, especially youth.

Authorities are particularly alarmed by the rising number of young individuals involved in drug abuse. The trend, if left unaddressed, could have far-reaching social and economic consequences.

“This is a dangerous trend,” an official explained. “Hard drugs are not just expensive; they destroy lives. The consequences are devastating not just for individuals, but also for families and communities.”

While enforcement continues, there is growing consensus that only a coordinated national effort combining policy, education, community engagement, and rehabilitation can turn the tide.