Lochoe Drime was targeted by Chinese authorities because of his close association with Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a respected Tibetan religious leader known for his humanitarian work. Despite his popularity among Tibetans, Tenzin Delek was viewed as a threat by the authorities and faced increasing harassment, forcing him into hiding around August 2001. Following a bomb blast incident in April 2002, Chinese authorities falsely accused Tenzin Delek and his disciples, including Lochoe, in what was widely believed to be a fabricated case.

In late March 2002, Lochoe left his monastery with two monks to study at Tashi Kyil Monastery in Gansu Province. While traveling, they learned of Tenzin Delek’s arrest. Soon after, the Nyagchuka Public Security Bureau began searching for Lochoe and others linked to Rinpoche, coercing acquaintances to assist in the search. Facing imminent arrest, Lochoe went into hiding.

During an escape attempt via Shigatse, Lochoe was detained for one month at Shigatse Detention Centre for lacking identification. There, he was interrogated, beaten, and humiliated. In May 2003, he made a second escape attempt, walking for 14 days across the Nangpala Pass with a group of Tibetans. Despite arrests along the route, Lochoe successfully reached Dharamsala, India, in mid-June 2003.

After arriving in India, Lochoe testified about the fabricated charges, harsh detention, and the broader repression faced by Tibetans associated with Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche.