Kathmandu Pharmacy Raid: March 2024

A police raid in March 2024 at a New Road pharmacy in Kathmandu exposed illegal drug sales and led to the arrest of the operator, Arjun Karki. Officers acted on a tip-off and found banned substances that shouldn't be on pharmacy shelves. That single story tells you a lot about risks patients face when pharmacies cross the line.

What happened

Local police led the raid after a specific complaint pointed to illegal activity. They entered the drugstore, checked stock, and seized drugs listed as banned or controlled. Authorities detained the operator while the case moved into investigation. The report named the location and the individual involved, making the incident concrete and verifiable.

Why this matters to you

When a licensed pharmacy sells banned or unregulated drugs, your health is at stake. Fake or unauthorized medicines can cause treatment failures, harmful interactions, or serious side effects. Even if you trust a local drugstore, one incident shows why you should stay alert and ask basic questions before buying medication.

Here are clear, practical steps to protect yourself: always ask for a valid prescription for antibiotics or controlled drugs; check that packaging has batch numbers and expiration dates; look for proper labels in English or the local language; and confirm the pharmacist’s registration if you can. If a shop refuses to show paperwork or pushes powerful medicines without a prescription, leave and report it.

Health systems and police are fighting illicit trade, but enforcement can’t cover every corner. You play a role by being cautious and informed. Keep medication in its original packaging, check for recalls online if you can, and double-check dosages before you take anything unfamiliar.

If you suspect a pharmacy is selling illegal drugs, report it to local police or the health regulator. Give specific details: address, names, dates, and photos if safe to take them. Quick, factual reports help authorities act faster and protect others in your community.

For caregivers and family members: watch for signs that someone is taking unauthorized pills—unexpected mood changes, severe drowsiness, or sudden health problems after a new drug. Seek medical help immediately and bring the medication container with you. Doctors can test and advise on next steps.

News like the Kathmandu raid is a reminder to ask questions and demand safe practices from pharmacies. Keep receipts, insist on prescriptions, and use official channels to report wrongdoing. That keeps you safer and helps reduce the illegal drug market one report at a time.