Two Nepalis jailed in UK for drug supply, embassy warns of rising crime in community

A 27-year-old Nepali man, Nikhil Lama, from Tomlinson Avenue in Luton, was jailed for two years by Aylesbury Crown Court for supplying drugs in Luton and High Wycombe. Thames Valley Police had arrested him on October 28 last year in Kitchener Road, High Wycombe, with 28 packets of heroin and 28 packets of crack cocaine. Investigations revealed he was linked to organised drug trafficking.

Another 27-year-old Nepali, Uttam Gurung, is serving a three-year sentence after being caught with 50 packets of heroin and crack cocaine hidden in his clothes. He was arrested in New Street, Ashford, and sentenced by Canterbury Crown Court on January 26 last year after admitting all charges.

According to the Nepali Embassy in London, crimes involving Nepalis in the UK are increasing along with the growing population. Cases include overstaying visas, sexual offences, attempted murder, social security fraud, assault, property damage, child exploitation, and banking crimes such as credit card fraud.

Nepal and the UK have had strong relations for over 210 years, largely built on the legacy of the Gurkhas. However, the recent rise in criminal activities among the Nepali diaspora is worrying the community.

Deputy Chief of Mission Bipin Dubadi said that in July alone, five Nepalis were arrested in serious criminal cases, and since the start of 2025, more than a dozen have been taken into custody. He noted that some people never inform the embassy about their arrests, making it hard to get accurate data.

The embassy also received 198 divorce-related applications this fiscal year. Dubadi said that personal disputes and mental stress often push people toward crime. He urged all Nepalis to follow UK laws, as crimes damage both personal futures and Nepal’s reputation.

UK police have also issued warnings in Nepali about rising sexual crimes involving children and the internet. Hampshire Constabulary’s Internet Child Abuse Team reminded that it is illegal to take, keep, share, or make sexual images of anyone under 18, whether physical or digital, and to distribute them through chat rooms, email, apps, or file-sharing sites.

Lawyers in the UK warn that a criminal record can cause long-term problems, including difficulties in getting jobs, mortgages, or permanent residency. Solicitor Raju Thapa stressed that no one is above the law and advised avoiding violence, sexual misconduct, theft, fraud, or immigration violations.