Are Himalayan foothills haven to drug smugglers?
Shimla: The idyllic, pastoral setting of the Himalayan foothills that draws an increasing number of backpackers is now also becoming a base for a multimillion dollar narcotics trade involving foreign settlers, local peddlers and international drug smugglers. Police officials say that foreign smugglers, working in collusion with addicts, are virtually ruling the roost in Mandi, Kullu and Chamba districts that have a serious problem of drug cultivation, trafficking and use. The conviction of two Italians—Anglo Falcone and Nobli Simone—along with two Indians under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by a Mandi court last Friday is proof that an international drug mafia has gained a foothold in the hill state, senior police officials said here. Kullu Superintendent of Police Jagat Ram said, “Forty-eight people have been booked under the NDPS Act this year. Last year, 29 people had been booked.” In the past 10 years, 208 foreigners have been arrested in the state and 7
