Bhutan has a low crime rate.[1][2][3] Petty crime is sometimes reported in the country. Violent crime is very uncommon. Some cases of drug abuse are reported. alcohol abuse is a problem. In general, drug trafficking is low. The most serious threat to Bhutan's security is terrorism by different groups from India who are staying in the nation.[4]
In June 1999, television was introduced in the country. Bhutan was the last nation in the world to have television.[5] Some people think the introduction of television did not fit with Bhutanese culture. They say it is a reason crime increased.
Non-political crime
Violent crime is very low in Bhutan.[6] Levels of theft are low.[6] Petty crime like pickpocketing are sometimes reported in the country.[1] Juvenile crime has increased. The highest rate of juvenile crime was reported in 2003 when 63 youths were convicted across the nation. Rape is not a large problem. In 1999 only 10 rapes were reported in Bhutan.[2] Homicide rate is low. In 1998, homicide rate per 100,000 citizens was 2.78.[6] Bhutan is a source and transit country for human trafficking.[6] Women are trafficked from Bhutan to other countries for commercial sexual exploitation.
The first case of corruption in Bhutan was reported on April 5, 2002. A man was charged with embezzlement.[5] Four cases of white-collar crime and violent crime were reported in April 2003.[7]
In 2011, Bhutan was ranked 38th out of 182 countries for corruption (least corrupt countries are at the top of the list).[8] Its score was 5.7 with 10 being the highest possible.[8]
Slight drug abuse has appeared in the country. Free trade with neighboring India and the refugees make Bhutan vulnerable to drug trafficking.[6] Bhutan is close to certain areas in Nepal and North-East India where intravenous drug use is high.[6] Because of this, Bhutan has had an increase in intravenous drug use.[6] Marijuana, which grows as a shrub in Bhutan, was only used to feed pigs before the introduction of television.[5] Hundreds have now been arrested for using marijuana.[5] Use of amphetamines and benzodiazepines smuggled from India is rising in Thimpu and in the Southern Bhutan.[6] Drug trafficking and production of opium, cannabis and other drugs is not a large problem in the country.[6]
Alcohol consumption is the most serious addiction related problem in the nation. Alcohol abuse is reported in nearly 80% of domestic violence crimes.[6]
In 2004, selling of tobacco products to Bhutanese citizens was outlawed in the country.[9] This made Bhutan the first nation in the world to ban tobacco sales.[10][11][12][13] Severe punishment was added for selling of tobacco.[9] Karma Tshering of the Bhutanese Customs said, "If any foreigner is caught selling tobacco products to Bhutanese nationals, he will be charged with smuggling. Tobacco will be treated as contraband."[9] However a black market in tobacco has grown in the country.[12]
Terrorism
Many groups from India have set up training camps in the southern part of the country.[4] The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Bodo Liberation Tigers Force (BLTF) had bases in Bhutan in 2002.[4] Terrorists were involved in murders, extortion and kidnappings.[4] Bhutan told the terrorists they must leave the country by December 2001. In December 2003 there was a military campaign to remove these groups.[14] Many terrorist camps were destroyed.[14] It is thought that terrorists are trying to make retaliatory attacks against Bhutan.[14] On September 5, 2004, a bomb exploded in Gelephu killing two people and injuring twenty seven.[14] The NDFB was suspected behind the attack.[14]
References