Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), Dec 25 : Two New Zealand nationals, including a woman, have been arrested for possessing "charas" (hashish), police said Friday.

Allan Bruce Mills and his girlfriend Peta Sim Clair were arrested from Bhuntar near here Thursday and 96 grams charas recovered from their possession, Superintendent of Police K. K. Indoria told IANS.

He said the couple was also carrying foreign currency worth Rs. 22 lakh. They have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS).

"The New Zealand embassy in New Delhi has been informed about their arrest," the police official added.

In recent years, the Kullu Valley has gained notoriety as a drug haven.

According to police, the foreigners are providing high-yield variety cannabis seeds imported from Holland and Russia to farmers for planting in various high-altitude areas like Malana, Bhelang, Melandar, Magic and Kutlah in the Kullu Valley as well as the Chauhar and Seraj valleys in Mandi district.

In the past 10 years, more than 200 foreigners have been arrested in the state under the NDPS Act.(IANS)