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With deep deploration, I wish to inform the general public that drug abuse has become a serious menace for Bhutan, a serene, secure and small country. The number of reported cases is on the rise, especially among our young people who are the valuable asset or resource of our country.
Drug abuse affects the quality of family and goes beyond by affecting the communities and subsequently the entire nation. It does not spare any section of society. It undermines human development by causing social, economical and health problems. Thus, all Bhutanese must equally and gravely be concerned about the issue.
While the BNCA and other related agencies are putting all possible measures and mechanisms in place, including the request for reviewing the Bhutan Penal Code to penalize appropriately drug abusers and traffickers and thus curb, control and contain the spread of the menace.
According to the BNCA's Annual Report 2008, there were 418 reported cases of persons abusing various forms of drugs as listed in the table.
| Sl # |
Drugs abused |
% of youth |
| 1 |
Marijuana |
57% |
| 2 |
Pharmaceuticals drugs (Dextro-Proproxyphene based-Relipen/Spasmoproxyvon, Nitrosun-10 and Cough Syrups.) |
26% |
| 3 |
Solvents |
17% |
Of the 418 arrested on drug related charges, 82% were youth below the age of 24 years, 95% of whom were males, 85% of those arrested were drug abusers and 15% dealers.
Bhutan, which has the highest per capita alcohol consumption in the region, also uses alcohol as a substitute to drugs. As we try to prevent other harmful drugs, rising trend of HIV/AIDS is a serious concern for us. The nexus between substance abuse and spread of HIV/AIDS is now well established. Substance abuse with its mood altering impat leads to deviant behaviors and life styles with greater possibilities of developing relations with multiple sex partners.
Given the serious challenge, we must all work together to combat the problem of drug and substance abuse. The prevention of drug and substance abuse must begin at home, hrough proper parenting and guidance. Drug traffickers and dealers must think twice before indulging in such vices and should not yield to their greed and selfishness but start loving drug abusers like their own children and family members.
Combating Drug abuse demands a collective approach and everyone can contribute towards cleansing our society of this nuisance. In my capacity as Chairman of the NCB, a parent and Health Minister, I request everyone to play their roles, so as to work towards making Bhutan the land of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
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"The future of our nation depends on the worth, capabilities and motivation of today’s youth. Therefore, I will not rest until I have given you the inspiration, knowledge and skills so that you will not only fulfill your own aspirations but be of immense worth to the nation. This is my sacred duty. A strong motivated young Bhutan guarantees a strong bright future.The future is neither unseen nor unknown. It is what we make of it. What work we do with our two hands today will shape the future of our nation. Our children’s tomorrow has to be created by us today." (-His Majesty the 5th King of Bhutan)
