POKHARA: In a major crackdown on illegal activities, hooliganism, and public disturbances, the Kaski District Police Office has detained and penalized 40 individuals across various locations on Saturday.

The arrests were made under the police department’s ongoing “sweep operation,” which aims to maintain law and order, curb late-night disturbances, check drug abuse, and stop illegal gambling.

As part of the intensive security measures, a specialized team accompanied by sniffer dogs from the Canine Branch of the Gandaki Province Police Office was also deployed to inspect vehicles across the region.

The single-day operation resulted in widespread action across multiple sectors of the district.

In Pokhara-17, Dobilla, a team from the Ward Police Office, Baidam, penalized two drivers for driving under the influence (DUI) and booked eight others for violating traffic rules.

Meanwhile, in the Ghanti Chhina area of Pokhara-23 and 24, police penalized nine individuals for DUI and two for traffic violations, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Birendra Kumar Paswan.

The enforcement continued in Pokhara-16, Akala, where the Ward Police Office, Bagar, caught one individual driving under the influence of drugs, three for DUI, and penalized four others for general traffic violations.

Additionally, at Bhedabari in Machhapuchchhre Rural Municipality-8, police detained and penalized four individuals for DUI, one for operating an illegally modified vehicle, and six others for failing to follow traffic rules.

The District Police Office clarified that their disciplinary approach scales based on the severity and frequency of the offense.

Individuals caught under the influence of alcohol or marijuana who do not have a criminal record are counseled and safely handed over to the custody of their parents or guardians.

However, the police maintain a zero-tolerance policy for serious offenses; repeat offenders, individuals with established criminal backgrounds, and anyone who misbehaves with or assaults officers during inspections face immediate legal prosecution, with cases officially registered in court.