Opium empire in absence of state
Summary
Widespread illegal opium cultivation and trade persist in western Nepal's remote districts, with police intensifying efforts to destroy crops and apprehend traffickers. Middlemen exploit impoverished farmers, and the opium is often smuggled to India through Nepalgunj.
Key Points
- Illegal opium cultivation is widespread in remote areas of Jajarkot and neighboring districts like Rukum Paschim and Rolpa.
- Police have destroyed large areas of opium crops but face challenges due to the involvement of middlemen and lack of consistent monitoring.
- Opium produced in Nepal is often smuggled to India, with Indian traders playing a significant role in the trade.
- Drug-related cases have increased over recent years, highlighting the expanding scale of opium trade and cultivation in Nepal.
