BAJURA: The illegal trade of hashish has rose higher in various villages of Bajura district of late.

In many VDCs of the district, including Dahakot, Manakot, Kanda, Gudukhati, Jayabageshwori, Wai and Kolti, the illegal business of the contraband has rose higher.

Consequently, the crop has become popular among farmers in the localities.

A local farmer Dharma Rokaya said there was no other way for the poor farmers to earn living in the district.

Bajura is known to have a huge crop of hemp. The barks of the hemp plants are used in making threads for clothes while the flower's seeds are used in making chutney for food. The black raisins from the leaves are used in making hashish while the dried leaves are used in making marijuana and cannabis, said Rokaya.

A local peasant anonymously informed that a tola (12.5 gram) of hashish costs between Rs 100 to Rs 150 and even dearer than that in the district headquarters.

A drug dealer said that the hashish was being supplied to Achham, Dhangadhi, Nepalgunj and different cities of India from the district.

However, the Bajura District Police Office informed that police have taken steps to stop the production and distribution of hashish.

A civil society member Sher Shahi said that some people were just following the profession of selling hashish as a tradition. He added that the production and the consumption have addicted the youth in the district.