Crime in Bhutan

The most serious threat to Bhutan's security is terrorism by different terrorist groups from neighboring countries illegally camped in the nation.

[7] The introduction of television is often regarded as incompatible with Bhutanese culture and a cause behind the increase in crime.

An editorial in Kuensel, the national newspaper of Bhutan, suggested: We are seeing for the first time broken families, school dropouts and other negative youth crimes.

"[7]A study conducted by some Bhutanese academics found that cable television has caused strong desire for western products among the people of the country and resulted in the increase in crime rate.

[7] Although there were some reports of fraud, violence and few cases of homicide from many towns and villages, Bhutan never experienced serious violation of law before it.

[7] The first case of corruption in Bhutan was reported on April 5, 2002, when Parop Tshering, a 42-year-old chief accountant of the State Trading Corporation, was charged with embezzlement.

Free trade with neighboring India, presence of porous borders and the refugee population make Bhutan vulnerable to drug trafficking.

[8] Bhutan has proximity to certain areas in Nepal and North-East India where intravenous drug use is relatively high.

[8] Due to such geographical location, Bhutan also becomes vulnerable to an increase in intravenous drug use.

Bhutan is a party of the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988).

[11] A fine of $210 was imposed for the culprits and cancellation of business licenses for owners of shops and hotels illegally selling tobacco.

[4] Under increasing pressure from the Government of India, Bhutan issued an ultimatum to the terrorists for leaving the country by December 2001, and in December 2003, the Royal Bhutan Army, aided by the Special Frontier Force, launched a military campaign.

[18] On September 4, 2004, one hundred and eleven people received various sentences ranging from four years to life imprisonment for helping terrorist organizations camped illegally in Bhutan.