PRESS RELEASE
The Narcotics, Drugs and Other Vices Division (NDOVD) of the Royal Bhutan Police conducted a coordinated midnight operation in Changbangdu following intelligence inputs on suspected late-night drug activity in the area.
During the operation, five individuals were apprehended. Of these, two suspects were detained for being in possession of narcotic substances, while the remaining three individuals, who tested positive for drug use, were referred to the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Center for necessary intervention.
On further interrogation, the arrested suspects Jigme Yoezer and Yeshi Gyeltshen disclosed that the substances had been supplied by Biren Kumar Kafley, 33, an electrician and repeat offender who previously served a five-year prison term (2018–2023) for drug trafficking.
Acting on this intelligence, NDOVD personnel carried out a follow-up raid the same night and arrested Biren Kumar Kafley from his residence in Jungzhina. During questioning, he admitted to having recently purchased a consignment of 10 boxes of SP+ capsules from an individual residing near Hotel Ariya.
On 14 November, at approximately 1125 hours, NDOVD officials escorted Biren Kumar Kafley to Olakha to identify the supplier. Upon arrival, he identified Tula Ram Bhujel, who was immediately apprehended. A search of his possession yielded SP+ capsules, confirming his involvement in the illegal distribution network. Subsequent investigation based on intel from Tula Ram led to the arrest of Phurba Dorji Tamang, who was found in possession of narcotics.
After completing the identification procedure, Biren Kumar Kafley was secured with handcuffs and placed in a jail van for transport back to the NDOVD office. The van door was bolted securely from outside. However, before reaching Lungtenphu viewpoint, he forcefully kicked open the rear door and jumped from the moving vehicle in an attempted escape. Passers-by witnessed the incident and moved him off the road to prevent further harm.
The escort team immediately returned to the location and found him unconscious on the pedestrian footpath. He was promptly transported to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on 23 November. A post-mortem examination has been conducted by JDWNRH and is awaiting the official results.
The Royal Bhutan Police has instituted a full investigation into the conduct of the concerned personnel involved in the escort. The case will be forwarded to the Court upon completion, along with all relevant evidence and eyewitness accounts, including those from individuals who witnessed Biren Kafley’s jump from the moving vehicle.
