Popular singer Sugam Pokharel was arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), New Baneshwor on Friday (February 8) in connection with the possession and use of brown heroin(sugar) from near the Dhobikhola bridge connecting Maitidevi and Old Baneshwar.

National daily Republica reports according to DSP Rabindra Regmi of the Bureau, a police squad arrested the popstar and six others abusing the drug and that the police seized one and half grams of brown heroin from plastic bags. DSP Regmi said Pokharel was in the drug users group but the narcotic was not found in his person.

However, on  Saturday (February 9), reports emerged that Pokharel and five others was released after a night of detention.  The Mero Sansar hitmaker was handed over to his family in the morning with the conclusion that he is a drug abuser and not a peddler.

One of the seven men, however, has been kept in custody in suspicion of supplying the drug, police said. The NCB is interrogating him, and carrying out further investigation into the case.

As authorities continue their investigation, it becomes crucial to consider avenues for rehabilitation. In instances where individuals are identified as drug abusers, opting for comprehensive support systems, such as 30 day treatment programs, could play a pivotal role in addressing the root causes of substance abuse and facilitating a path towards recovery.

According to police, Pokharel was released because the drug was not confiscated from his possession. He and five others of the posse, however, are said to be drug abusers.

Based on a tip that that they use narcotic drugs to boost their stamina for stage performances, police, of late, started keeping an eye on celebrity artistes.