Panaji, Mar 31 (IANS): Russians top the number of foreigners employed in casinos, while Nepalis head the list of foreign nationals arrested in drug cases in Goa, according to home minister Ravi Naik.

A written reply, tabled Thursday during the budget session of the Goa legislative assembly, also shows that 19 Nigerians were arrested in narcotics-related cases over the last four years.

Of the 14 foreign nationals working in casinos in the state, five Russians are working in offshore casinos as dealer inspectors.

Four other British nationals are working as casinos managers in various onshore and offshore casinos housed in the beach-tourism oriented state, the minister said.

The reply also stated that 29 Nepali nationals were arrested over the last four years in cases booked under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Five Nepalis have already been convicted on drug charges.

The reply also stated that 19 Nigerians were arrested in the same period for possessing drugs like charas, cocaine and MDMA.

Other 74 foreign nationals who have been booked on drug charges over the last four years include Israelis, Norwegians, Dutch, Italians, Costa Rican, Japanese and Swedish.

One of the most popular beach tourism destinations in the country, Goa has gained notoriety for rampant sale of drugs in the coastal areas.

The gory sexual assault and subsequent death of British teenager Scarlett Keeling in February 2008 had exposed the seedy underbelly of narco-tourism in the state.