Highlights

• Six public vehicle drivers arrested in Kathmandu for drug-influenced driving

• Arrests made during routine traffic inspection in Sukedhara

• Pathao riders, bus, and Bolero jeep drivers among those detained

• Traffic Police issue strong warning against drug-impaired driving

• Public urged to report suspected intoxicated drivers via hotlines 100 and 103

Kathmandu witnessed another bold move by the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division as six public vehicle drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. The arrests took place during a regular traffic check in Sukedhara, underscoring the police’s commitment to ensuring safer roads for everyone.

Crackdown on Drugged Driving in Kathmandu

The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office confirmed that all six individuals tested positive for drug use. The offenders included three Pathao motorcycle riders, one public bus driver, and a Bolero jeep driver.

Spokesperson Naresh Raj Subedi stated that officers conducted surprise checks across major road sections of Kathmandu. Those caught were immediately detained and transferred to nearby police stations for further investigation.

Arrested Drivers

Here’s a breakdown of the drivers arrested for drug-influenced driving in Kathmandu:

Name	Age	Vehicle Type	Origin
Shekhar Nath Ghimire	39	Pathao Motorbike	Arjundhara Municipality-6, Jhapa
Sajid Ansari	33	Pathao Motorbike	Pachrauta Municipality-6, Bara
Suman Pariyar	22	Pathao Motorbike	Belkotgadhi Municipality, Nuwakot
Suraj Kumar Bajgain	47	Private Vehicle	Banepa Municipality-3, Kavrepalanchok
Kapil Thapa	32	Public Bus	Thaha Municipality-4, Makwanpur
Bhim Bahadur Khadka	22	Bolero Jeep	Salyan District

All six have been sent for further legal processing as the police continue toxicology testing and case review.

Police Warn of Strict Legal Action

Driving public transport under the influence of drugs is a serious offense in Nepal. The Traffic Police stressed that such behavior puts passengers and other road users at great risk.

Subedi highlighted that drivers of passenger vehicles must act responsibly and remain sober at all times. He reiterated that the department would continue to run surprise inspections across the city to curb such dangerous practices.

Legal Penalties for Drug-Impaired Drivers

Under the Motor Vehicles and Transport Management Act, any driver found operating a vehicle under the influence faces penalties including fines, license suspension, or imprisonment. Traffic Police have assured that they will maintain strict vigilance to deter such reckless acts.

Hotline Numbers for Public Safety

The Traffic Police urged the public to take part in keeping roads safe. Anyone suspecting a driver of being under the influence can immediately contact the authorities through:

• Traffic Control Room Hotline 103

• Nepal Police Emergency Hotline 100

Passenger awareness and quick reporting can help prevent potential accidents and save lives.

Joint Effort to Keep Kathmandu Roads Safe

This operation is part of Kathmandu’s larger campaign to promote safe driving and discipline among public transport operators. Routine checks, awareness drives, and coordination with ride-sharing companies are helping reduce cases of drug or alcohol-influenced driving.

The message is simple and clear — drive clean, drive sober, and help make Kathmandu’s roads safer for everyone.