Banking News – A week-long awareness campaign against human trafficking and drug abuse has been launched at the New Bus Park in Gongabu, Kathmandu, with authorities calling for greater public participation to combat the growing threats.

The campaign, organized by the Gongabu Community Police Office and the Gongabu Community Service Centre, aims to raise awareness about preventing human trafficking and protecting young people from drug addiction through a series of public outreach programs.

Addressing the inaugural event, Sushil Singh Rathour, Chief of the Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, said cooperation between the police and the public is essential to building a safe and crime-free society.

He noted that the campaign would help address the increasing problem of drug addiction among young people and curb hidden cases of human trafficking. Rathour stressed that all sections of society must unite in the fight against drug abuse and human trafficking.

Similarly, Dilip Ghimire, Chief of the Kathmandu District Police Range, emphasized the need for collective efforts to prevent drug abuse and human trafficking in the Gongabu Bus Park area.

Punya Prasad Sitaula, President of the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, said public transportation is sometimes used to smuggle illegal drugs, making drivers and conductors vulnerable to criminal involvement. He urged transport operators to remain vigilant while boarding passengers to help prevent such activities.

Ward Chairperson Ram Bhakta Ghimire stated that the local government has been working closely with the police to make the Gongabu area crime-free.

Meanwhile, Shankar Shrestha said various awareness programs would be conducted over the next week at hotels, restaurants, dohori venues, schools, and other public places in the Gongabu Bus Park area as part of the anti-human trafficking and anti-drug campaign.

Students from Maharshi College, Pavitranagar, and BST College, Bus Park, also participated in the launch event.