Foreigners run drug smuggling ring in HP, Nigerians top list: Data

SHIMLA: Half of the total foreign nationals arrested for involvement in illegal drugs smuggling in Himachal Pradesh between 2017 and 2021 are from African nation Nigeria, according to the state police data.

From 2017 to 2021, a total of 72 foreign nationals have been arrested for involvement in narcotics trade in the state. Of these, 36 were Nigerian nationals, followed by 15 from other African countries, 14 Europeans, four Americans, two from the Middle East while one from an Asian country, police data shows.

“We are concerned about the involvement of foreigners in the illicit drug trade in Himachal. Of the 72 foreigners arrested between 2017 and 2021, seven have jumped bail,” said Sanjay Kundu, director general of police (DGP). “We are taking steps to expedite their trials.”

According to the narcotics control wing of state police, most of the Nigerian nationals arrested for supplying drugs to Himachal were operating from Delhi. Nigerian nationals from the national capital are actively involved in the smuggling of chitta (adulterated heroin) into Himachal, resulting in multifold increase in the trade, police said. Majority of the peddlers in the state are in the age group of 16 to 26 years, police data suggests.

“There are three types of networks in Himachal. One is being run by Punjab-based smugglers, another by Africans and the third one is being operated from Uttar Pradesh,” said Gaurav Singh, superintendent of police, narcotic control wing. “Our main focus is to nab the smugglers, along with local conduits.”

Data also highlighted that in the last five years, the state police have arrested 8,122 Indian nationals and 80 foreigners under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Chitta has made inroads in the rural pockets of areas with higher tourist footfall, especially in Shimla, Kangra, Una, Sirmaur and Solan. The problem is more acute in the areas bordering Punjab, a senior officer said.

“Chitta smugglers have spread their tentacles in rural regions. The government needs to play a more proactive role as the problem is compounding,” said Narendra Chauhan, president of Anti-drug Force, a Rohru-based NGO fighting the drug menace.