Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, March 1:

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the umbrella organisation of the government and non-governmental organisations, has adopted a new strategy to curb narcotics smuggling in the world by reducing its demand and controlling the supply.

“This strategy was adopted as neither the demand reduction nor the supply control programme alone has been successful in addressing the drug problem in the world,” stated the INCB’s annual report which was launched today. After launching the report amid a function here, Matthew Kahane, director of the UN Information Centre, said that controlling the supply of drugs is very important as it is equally associated with the spread of HIV/AIDS.

He highlighted the important issues and problems raised by the report. According to the UN Information Centre, the comprehensive report was launched all over the world today.

“To make real progress in achieving the 10-year target set by the United Nations General Assembly’s special session in 1998, it is imperative for the government to ensure that there is operation and policy-level integration of demand and supply efforts,” said Hamid Ghodse, the INCB president.

The report states that Nepal is a major source of cannabis whereas Bangladesh and India are important sources of cannabis herb.

“Nepal is the major source of cannabis resin which is smuggled into Asian countries, the Pacific, Europe and the United States of America,” the report stated.

Afghanistan produces one-third of the total opium production in the world.

The SAARC director, CAHM Wijeratne, stressed the need to collectively curb producing, trafficking and abuse of drugs as it has become a major factor in the spread of HIV/AIDS in Asia.

Sushil Jung Bahadur Rana, joint secretary at the Home Ministry, said that Nepal’s efforts in curbing drug trafficking should not be ignored.

“However, despite the efforts, better results are yet to be achieved,” he added.