Thimphu police arrested a 26-year-old taxi driver from Norzin Lam, Thimphu for alleged involvement in trafficking of narcotic drugs on March 13.

Police officials said they have recovered 160 Spasmoproxyvon Plus (SPP) capsules from the boot of the taxi. Additional of 2,069 SPP capsules were recovered from his house.

While interrogating, it was learned that another suspect, who was in Punakha, was also involved in the case. The 29-year-old suspect was arrested on March 14.

Police recovered 147 SPP capsules and a few grams of dried marijuana leaves from the suspect. Both the suspects tested positive during their arrest. The case is under investigation.

Thimphu police arrested 98 individuals for alleged involvement in trafficking of narcotic drugs and substance abuse from January to March 14. Of the 98 suspects, 71 were abusers and 27 were traffickers.

Of the 71 abusers, 57 youth and two women were handed over to the Bhutan Narcotic Control Authority (BNCA) for assessment and counselling.

Seized items include 14,898 SPP capsules, 2.5kg dried marijuana leaves, 27kg fresh marijuana leaves, over 10 grams of marijuana hashes and solvent items.

Most of the cases were forwarded to the Office of Attorney General.

Kelzang Wangchuk