KATHMANDU: Traffic police have penalized 982 drivers in the Kathmandu Valley for operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The enforcement action took place over a 13-day period between Ghatasthapana and Oct. 22.
According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, 947 drivers were booked for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 35 were penalized for driving under the influence of drugs. Among those caught for alcohol consumption, 59 were operating public transport vehicles. All 35 drivers penalized for drug use were also operating public transport vehicles, said police spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Nareshraj Subedi.
The police stated that driving under the influence is illegal and that those involved were penalized according to the Traffic Act. Authorities have intensified monitoring and enforcement efforts, citing an increased risk of accidents due to higher traffic volume during the festive season.
