Lhakpa Quendren

Gelephu — The Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) and communities in Gelephu are leading the way to make the planned Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) a drug and crime free city, which will set a new standard for the entire country.

At the heart of this initiative is the GMC’s vision to become a model of peace, health, and exemplary living.

On July 18, around 200 community members, including youth, met the police, during which time, the Chief of Police briefed them about the RBP’s immediate initiatives for youths. He highlighted that rehabilitation programme for drug users and dependents as a key intervention.

Speaking to the attendees, the Chief of Police Major General Chimi Dorji said that the RBP is putting in rigorous efforts to make the planned GMC a drug-free region. “Toward this end, all drug dependents will undergo a six-month rehabilitation.”

The RBP will manage the rehabilitation centres, with support from medical experts for treatment and to provide mental health services.

The rehabilitation programme is expected to begin after the RBP consults with the PEMA Secretariat, following which it will be reported to the National Drug Taskforce.

Individuals heavily dependent on drugs will be referred to a rehabilitation centre while occasional users will be closely monitored.

“We will give our special focus to ending drug and crime incidents in GMC within one to two years,” the Chief of Police said, urging parents to support this initiative.

He said that drug users will be rehabilitated into productive citizens and parents and society will benefit. “And they will be able to contribute positively to the nation,” the Chief of Police said.

The Gelephu Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Care Service has received over 500 client referrals from the police since 2023, of which 150 have completed the primary phase of treatment while 35 have completed their treatment.

“Addiction is a disease but there are effective treatments for it. If everyone comes forward for treatment, the number of clients would decrease over time,” said a counselor.

Welcoming the initiative, Jamyang Tenzin, a parent, said that the rehabilitation programme is a wonderful initiative for children and their wellbeing. “This programme will not only transform youth dependent on contraband substance but also help them become responsible, productive citizens.”

The Gelephu police have also stepped up efforts to curb other criminal activities and traffic violations along the highways. The police will also install 300 to 400 CCTV cameras from Tareythang to Singye gewog to improve surveillance.

A rehabilitation centre, managed by private entities, will be established. Currently, some parents send their children to expensive private rehabilitation centres in neighbouring countries for three months. This new centre will ease this problem.

The Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Substance Abuse Act 2015 will also be tabled for amendment.

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