CHITRAL, Jan 3 As many as 2,353 criminal cases were registered during 2008, which included 14 cases each of murder and attempt to murder, police sources said here on Saturday. The crime rate, however, declined as compared to 2007.

The sources said three cases of Zina and four of kidnapping were also registered.

The narcotics recovered during the year included 418kg charas, 16kg opium, 57 grams of heroin and 575 litres of liquor, they said.

Police also seized five Kalashnikovs, 18 rifles, 62 shotguns, 14 pistols, 5kg explosive powder and 40 metres of explosive coil.

Forty-four proclaimed offenders were arrested during the year, the sources said.

The number of foreign tourists visiting the district was 824 while it was 1,065 during 2007 and 1,385 during 2006.