Despite several anti-drugs awareness campaigns being launched throughout the country, an increasingly large number of youths are falling prey to the deadly vice of drug abuse. Moreover, unable to free themselves of drug addiction, some of these youths are also found to be involved in criminal activities. Alarmingly, this vice has become so common among college and even school students that they are publicly found to be using and peddling lethal drugs. It makes one wonder if the law enforcement agencies are turning a blind eye to this trend that is slowly but surely turning many Nepali youths into a hopeless bunch of junkies.

As the future of the nation is in the hands of the youth, it is all the more important that they are engaged in constructive labour rather than being hooked on a habit that will erode our hope of building a new Nepal. The school and college authorities must see to it that students are not engaged in activities that will likely ruin their own and the nation’s future. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of parents to give their children all the care and support they need to become responsible citizens of tomorrow. Instead of labelling them as social outcasts, those already addicted to drugs must be rehabilitated. But most importantly, the law enforcement agencies must make every effort to nab and punish the criminals who operate drug trafficking networks.