Nepal Joins U.S. Led Training to Combat Synthetic Drug Threats

Kathmandu: In a significant move to address the growing threat of synthetic drugs, Nepal participated in a two-week regional training program organized by the United States and hosted in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Regional Forensic Capacity Building for Synthetic Drug Detection and Analysis for South Asia training program, held from July 7 to 18, 2025, was jointly led by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and Sri Lanka’s National Dangerous Drugs Control Board.

Representatives from Nepal’s Central Police Forensic Science Laboratory were among the key participants.

Designed to build regional forensic capacity, the program focused on the detection and analysis of synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, including fentanyl and similar substances. Forensic specialists from Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Bangladesh gained hands-on experience with advanced drug detection tools to boost national and regional response efforts.

This partnership reinforces Nepal’s fight against emerging drug threats and reflects a growing regional partnership in safeguarding public health and regional security.