National Council members submit proposal to counter the rising scourge of drugs
DAWA ZANGMO
Thimphu
In a move to confront Bhutan’s deepening crisis of substance abuse among its youth, the National Council’s Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) recently tabled a comprehensive set of recommendations before the House.
The presentation underscored the urgency and complexity of the issue, reflecting mounting concern over its widespread impact.
The Chairperson of the Committee Tshering submitted a total of ten strategic proposals to counter the crisis. A majority were endorsed by the House, while the remaining were sent back for additional refinement and review.
The report offered a sobering assessment, highlighting how the crisis is steadily eroding Bhutan’s future by severely affecting its youth and other vulnerable groups.
Despite the government’s earlier efforts including legislative amendments, institution level reforms, and grassroots initiatives substance abuse among the youth remains a pressing concern.
The Committee acknowledged that the issue has outpaced the effectiveness of existing interventions and requires urgent, multi-sectorial action.
Members stressed that the increasing misuse of drugs is not merely a legal or health concern but a direct threat to the nation’s human capital. The Committee’s report warned that this growing crisis is “undermining the potential of Bhutan’s most important asset its people.”
The most disturbing revelation from the Committee’s findings was the sharp increase in drug-related offences involving young individuals.
A significant portion of total arrests in the past year involved people under the age of twenty-four, painting a stark picture of a generation increasingly entangled in narcotic use and distribution.
Data provided by the Royal Bhutan Police indicated a large volume of narcotics and psychotropic substances seized in the past year.
Among the confiscated substances were tens of thousands of SP+ and N10 tablets, substantial quantities of marijuana, bottles of Cortex cough syrup, brown sugar (a form of heroin), and large volumes of thinner, commonly abused as an inhalant.
The Committee identified key entry points for these substances, particularly Integrated Check Posts along international borders.
Phuentsholing emerged as the most affected transit area. MP Ugyen Tshering of Paro emphasized the urgent need to enhance border security.
“These are our main gateways for drug trafficking,” he said. “It is vital that we install advanced technology and increase manpower to curb the flow of drugs into the country.”
The report also pinpointed several dzongkhags—including Bumthang, Haa, Thimphu, Paro, Phuentsholing, and Samdrupjongkhar—as regions with elevated levels of inhalant and solvent abuse among adolescents.
These substances, according to them, are often readily available and less regulated, making them particularly dangerous for younger populations.
National Council Member Tshering Tshomo from Zhemgang raised the issue of increased imports of potentially misused items. Customs data showed a consistent rise in the volume and value of such imports over the past three years.
The MP warned that the growing accessibility of these items was making youth increasingly vulnerable.
National Council Member Kencho Tshering, from Bumthang, pointed out that these substances are commonly sold in everyday establishments such as hardware stores, furniture workshops, and construction sites.
“There are no industry-specific regulations for these substances,” he said. “Unlike alcohol and tobacco, these items can be sold without any licensing requirements, making regulation nearly impossible.”
The consequences of rising youth involvement in drug-related activities are becoming evident in the country’s legal and rehabilitation systems. Urban detention centres, particularly in Thimphu, are under significant strain.
A growing number of drug-related cases involving young people remain unresolved, with many detainees waiting extended periods for their trials.
The Mitshey Yarab Lamzang rehabilitation centre, which opened its doors less than a year ago, has already treated hundreds of clients. A majority of them are young, and a significant number are either unemployed or still in school.
Meanwhile, the prison-based Substance Use Disorder treatment programme is currently supporting thousands of inmates. A large portion of them are imprisoned for drug-related offences.
Most of these individuals are under the age of thirty-five, and many are in their early twenties, showing that the crisis spans multiple generations.
NC members also raised growing concerns over the widespread consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and e-cigarettes substances they described as “gateways” to more harmful drug use.
NC Tshering Tshomo also warned about the lack of enforcement despite public notices prohibiting smoking.
“Although ‘No Smoking’ signs are displayed in public spaces, many people ignore them,” she said. “There’s little clarity on enforcement and reporting mechanisms.”
The SCAC reported that the economic cost of alcohol consumption far outweighs the revenue generated. Local breweries and distilleries have produced tens of millions of liters of alcohol annually. Bhutan Brewery Pvt. Ltd. dominates the market, while other producers contribute varying amounts.
Imports have also soared, with alcoholic beverages brought into the country in record volumes and at a high cost. The import value saw a dramatic increase, highlighting the growing national appetite for alcohol.
Tobacco and cigarette imports have also fluctuated dramatically. During the pandemic, imports surged. Though they declined afterward, they have recently rebounded. Corresponding tax revenues have also risen sharply.
National Council member from Trongsa Rinzin Namgyal expressed alarm over the growing use of e-cigarettes among students. “While the government has gained revenue, we must ask if it’s worth the cost,” he said. “Cigarettes and vales are increasingly popular among youth. Immediate action is needed.”
To address the escalating crisis, the SCAC outlined several key strategies aimed at tackling the issue on multiple fronts. The House endorsed proposals focused on legislative reform, expansion of the National Drug Task Force’s mandate, and improved inter-agency collaboration.
One major recommendation was the allocation of revenue generated through “sin taxes” such as those from alcohol and tobacco towards prevention and rehabilitation efforts.
The Committee also proposed the development of a comprehensive education curriculum focused on substance abuse awareness, as well as improved access to and quality of treatment and rehabilitation services.
Other suggested interventions included promoting sports and physical activities as preventive measures, establishing recognition programmer for youth resilience, and fostering greater parental and community involvement in combating substance abuse.
A final, crucial recommendation involved supporting the reintegration of youth who have been in conflict with the law. MP Kencho Tshering underscored the need to reform policies that currently hinder the reintegration of rehabilitated youth.
“Many young people are denied security clearance before completing their cooling-off period,” he said. “This prevents them from rejoining society meaningfully. We must decide whether to abandon them or help them rebuild their lives.”
While the House has approved several of the Committee’s recommendations, it is clear that much work remains. The remaining proposals will undergo further scrutiny before being finalized.
