Editorial: The Crisis of Cocaine Trafficking thru Nepal

Over the past few years, Nepal has emerged as a significant transit hub for cocaine trafficking, a trend that carries broader regional consequences. For instance, cocaine seizures have surged from 11.8 kg in 2023 to over 30 kg in 2024. This alarming increase indicates that the networks involved in this illicit trade are increasingly using Nepal as a route to India. The seriousness of the issue was underscored on December 1 when officials at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) apprehended a Kenyan national with 6.2 kg of cocaine concealed inside a teddy bear. Valued at approximately Rs 217 million, this marks the largest cocaine seizure of the year and points to a more extensive and entrenched trafficking network. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of Nepal Police attributes this rise to Nepal’s geographical position and insufficient enforcement capabilities, making it an attractive transit point for traffickers heading to Indian markets.

Investigations have revealed that the cocaine entering Nepal primarily comes from Latin American countries, particularly Bolivia and Colombia. The trafficking route is notably complex: from these nations, the drugs often pass through African countries in secondary transits, especially Nigeria and Ethiopia, before reaching their final destination via major or minor transits through Doha or Dubai—routes largely controlled by international drug syndicates, with a significant representation of Nigerians as key players.

The methods employed by traffickers have evolved to evade Nepali authorities. While carriers from Africa and Latin America were once the main culprits, recent arrests—such as that of a Latvian national caught with over 6 kilograms of cocaine—suggest a diversification in the strategies of traffickers. This clearly emphasizes the need for Nepal’s enforcement agencies to stay ahead of the changing tactics of criminal networks.

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