One-Third of Cases Against Foreigners in Himachal Pradesh in 2022 Related to Narcotics

About 100 cases have been registered against foreigners under various crimes in the state in 2022, out of which 35 cases (one-third) have been registered under the NDPS Act.

According to the most recent data from the National Records Crime Bureau (NCRB), one-third of all cases filed against foreigners in Himachal Pradesh in 2022 were connected to the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

NDPS Act Cases Dominate

In 2022, roughly 100 cases involving a variety of crimes were filed against foreigners in the state. According to the NCRB's report on "Crime in India 2022," 35 of these cases—or one-third—were brought under the NDPS Act.

Foreigners were charged in 100 cases under pertinent sections for committing various crimes, including 35 under the NDPS Act, eight for theft, four each for murder and hurt, three for sexual assault, and two each for attempted murder and kidnapping, according to the report.

Himachal Pradesh Ranks Fourth

In terms of foreigners' involvement in NDPS Act cases, the state comes in fourth place after Karnataka (105), Delhi (80), and Maharashtra (38). In 2022, according to the state's tourism statistics, 29,333 international visitors came.

Malana and Parvati Valley: Notorious for Cannabis Cultivation

Rohit, a social activist, claims that the suburbs of Manali in Kullu district, notably the Malana and Parvati valley areas, are berated for cannabis production. Every year, a sizable number of visitors flock to Manali.

Opium, cough syrups and tablets, chemical drugs, and most lately, chitta have all entered Himachal in addition to cannabis. Investigations into prior instances by the police revealed that foreigners have a strong desire for high-end pharmaceuticals, particularly those that alter mood.

Crimes Against Foreigners Double

On the other hand, according to the report, cases of crimes committed against foreigners climbed from 10 in 2021 to 21 in 2022.

The involvement of foreigners in crimes related to drugs, particularly under the NDPS Act, is a major concern for law enforcement agencies in Himachal Pradesh. The state's ranking fourth in the country in terms of NDPS Act cases involving foreigners highlights the need for stricter measures to curb drug trafficking and abuse in the region.