Kathmandu, January 10

Police in association with Department of Drug Administration raided Safalata Healthcare Centre at Machhapokhari and arrested a couple on charge of selling prescription drugs to drug abusers.

According to Metropolitan Police Circle, Balaju, Chudamani Chaudhary, 29, and his wife Sapana Chaudhary, 25, of Nawalparasi were found selling controlled pharmaceutical drugs without prescription of doctors under the cloak of healthcare centre.

Police have seized 240 tablets of nitrazepam, 1,685 capsules of tramadol, 31 ampoules of diazepam and 470 tablets of nitravet, among other psychoactive drugs, from the health centre. Officials said 35 others, including drug abusers and suppliers, were also arrested for investigation.

Police informed that Sapana was a ‘quack nurse’ and used to work at the clinic in the uniform of nurse. The clinic was also providing abortion service without obtaining permission of DDA. “The healthcare centre was a hub for drug addicts and had been providing abortion service illegally,” said an official.

The Chaudhary couple are said to be running similar clinics in Chabahil and Balkumari as well.