May 16: Two men in their twenties were arrested on Wednesday, May 14 for possession and illegal transaction of controlled substances. Both were caught at the Chunzom check post by the narcotic drugs law enforcement unit of the police.

One of the suspects was caught around 2:15 pm while he was driving towards Thimphu from Phuentsholing in a Maruti van. He was caught with nine bottles of corex. Police also found 414 tablets of Nitrogen. The 26-year-old runs a bar in the capital.

The other suspect was caught at around 10:25pm on the same day. He was traveling by taxi towards Thimphu. The 28-year-old was caught with an assortment of drugs including seven packets of Marijuana, 576 capsules, and nine bottles of corex.

According to a police spokesperson this is the second highest amount of controlled substance seized this year. The highest amount was seized in February.

So far this year, 68 people have been caught for smuggling drugs. He said they have informants who keep track of people smuggling or indulging in substance abuse. He said the public can also notify them by calling them at 335485.

Police said the incidence of drugs abuse and smuggling is on the rise. This, he said, could be due to lack of awareness about the penalties.

According to the Penal Code of Bhutan a person convicted of illegal transaction of controlled substances can be given a prison sentence between nine and 15 years.