London/ Two Nepali men in their late 20s have been jailed in the UK for their roles in drug trafficking, adding to growing concerns over crime within the Nepali community.
Nikhil Lama, 27, of Tomlinson Avenue, Luton, was sentenced to two years in prison by Aylesbury Crown Court after being caught supplying drugs in Luton and High Wycombe. Thames Valley Police arrested him on 28 October last year in Kitchener Road, High Wycombe, with 28 packets of heroin and 28 packets of crack cocaine. Investigators linked him to organised drug networks.
In a separate case, 27-year-old Uttam Gurung was jailed for three years after being found with 50 packets of heroin and crack cocaine hidden in his clothes. He was arrested on New Street, Ashford, and sentenced by Canterbury Crown Court on 26 January last year after admitting all charges.
The Nepali Embassy in London says such incidents are on the rise, reflecting both the growing population and a troubling increase in offences. Reported cases range from visa overstays to sexual offences, attempted murder, fraud, assault, property damage, child exploitation, and financial crimes like credit card fraud.
Deputy Chief of Mission Bipin Dubadi expressed concern that crimes are tarnishing Nepal’s long-standing ties with the UK, built over 210 years on the Gurkha legacy. He revealed that in July alone, five Nepalis were arrested for serious offences, and more than a dozen have been taken into custody since the start of 2025. Many cases go unreported to the embassy, complicating record-keeping.
The embassy also noted a rise in domestic disputes, receiving 198 divorce applications this fiscal year. Dubadi warned that personal conflicts and mental stress can push individuals toward crime and urged all Nepalis to respect UK laws to protect both their own futures and Nepal’s reputation.
Police in the UK have also issued warnings in Nepali about rising online sexual crimes involving children. Hampshire Constabulary’s Internet Child Abuse Team reminded the community that creating, keeping, or sharing sexual images of anyone under 18—whether physical or digital—is illegal, including via chat rooms, apps, email, or file-sharing sites.
Legal experts stress that a criminal record can have long-lasting effects, making it harder to secure employment, housing, or permanent residency. Solicitor Raju Thapa cautioned that “no one is above the law” and urged the community to steer clear of violence, sexual misconduct, theft, fraud, and immigration violations.