Unemployed youth turn drug peddlers in Dharamshala

by Rajesh Badhawan

              Cannabis Plant (Photo Credit: transmitdistort)

Dharamshala, a small town located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar range, is a beautiful town that attracts national and international tourists every year. Tourists visiting Dharamshala to spend their vacations in this ‘God’s Own Paradise’, bring in a lot of business opportunities for the locals. From hotels, to travel & tour packages, to food service – the local people provide everything the guests demand. But what is most alarming in the last few decades is the growth of its underground drug business. It has tarnished the image of this tourist town for worse.

Watching the weed business grow in such fashion, it’s hard to say if drugs are really banned in this country. Recently, several youngsters were booked by the police at a rave party in the city. Very common in upper parts of the town, such parties are difficult to monitor as they are held at secret locations and party-goers are informed through secret modes of messages.

Drugs like cannabis, opium and heroin are easily available in the surroundings of Dharamshala. The best source are the ‘peddlers’ - found in great numbers in the city. These peddlers are either drug addicts or those trying to make some quick buck.

Unaware of the consequences, many unemployed youngsters are lured into  ‘peddling’ – due to high demand and great profits in the drug business. What attracts the youth towards this illegal business - unemployment or a high demand for drugs? Though the answer is unclear, it’s clear that if things go unchecked, it will only get worse.