RAUTAHAT, JUNE 26 As drug abuse and illegal narcotics trafficking continue to pose a growing challenge in Rautahat, security officials have called for a united response, warning that law enforcement alone cannot curb the problem without active support from communities. The message came during an awareness programme organised to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking under the Community-Police Partnership initiative, where officials stressed that the battle against drugs begins at home, in schools and within neighbourhoods. Chief District Officer Dinesh Sagar Bhusal said drug abuse is increasingly affecting the younger generation and called on parents, teachers, community leaders and local governments to play a proactive role in prevention. 'Police alone cannot win this battle,' he said, emphasising that meaningful progress is only possible through collective action involving all sections of society. Superintendent of Police Sitaram Rijal of the District Police Office, Rautahat, said anti-drug awareness programmes should be intensified at schools and colleges to prevent young people from falling into addiction. Delayed intervention, he warned, could make the problem far more difficult to address. SP Ramhari Adhikari of the Armed Police Force's No. 11 Battalion also appealed to residents to stay alert to suspicious activities in their communities and immediately inform security agencies, saying public cooperation is essential to controlling drug-related crimes. Speakers at the programme further argued that people battling drug addiction should not be viewed solely as criminals but as individuals in need of treatment, counselling and rehabilitation. They stressed that successful recovery requires coordinated support from families, communities and relevant agencies. The programme brought together representatives from Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, local governments, educational institutions, civil society organisations and community groups, who collectively pledged to strengthen efforts towards building a drug-free society.