Social and Cultural Affairs Committee in Pema Gatshel - March 17, 2025

The committee held a consultative meeting with the Dzongdag, Local Government leaders, Officer Commanding (OC) of the Royal Bhutan Police, school Principals and officials to discuss youth and substance abuse in Pema Gatshel.

The Dzongdag shared that while drug cases are lower than in other districts, ongoing development and heavy truck traffic increase the risk of drug trafficking. The OC reported that in 2024, 32 drug-related cases were charge sheeted, with 40% linked to alcohol and drug-induced violence. Most abusers are school dropouts, and marijuana use is most common in upper Pemagatshel.

Concerns were raised on legal enforcement and resource constraints for awareness campaigns which hinders efforts.

18th March, 2025 - Mongar

The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee held a consultative meeting with the Dzongdag, Local Government leaders, Superintendent of Police (SP), Regional Revenue and Customs Office (RRCO), Regional Office for Industry, Commerce, and Employment (ROICE), and sector heads in the morning.

The Dzongdag emphasized the collective responsibility to curb drug and substance abuse in Mongar. While drug issues are less severe than in the southern borders, there are still cases, particularly among the youth, driven by peer pressure. The Superintendent of Police presented data showing a decline in drug-related cases, however marijuana concerns remained high.

Mongar district recorded 9 cases in 2022, 8 in 2023, and 7 in 2024.

Local leaders shared concerns about alcohol-related violence and suggested aligning policies on alcohol prohibition and limiting licenses as well as supporting vulnerable youth through community initiatives.

In the afternoon, the committee met with the Superintendent of the Mongar Referral Hospital, clinical counsellor and officials to discuss the challenges of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) in Mongar and the surrounding districts.

Clinical counsellors highlighted the difficulty of engaging clients voluntarily and the non-compliance of the SUD treatment as concerns. 

In 2023, 62 out of 87 clients from five districts (Mongar, Lhuentse, Tashigang, Tashiyangtse, and Bumthang) completed their treatment, and in 2024 from the five districts, 47 out of 60 clients successfully completed treatment.

Alcohol and tobacco were flagged as serious issues contributing to the high prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases in the country.

The full findings will be shared in the upcoming summer session.

This tour was made possible with the support of UNICEF.