PANAJI
The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) conducted three separate raids, leading to the seizure of drugs worth Rs 9.2 lakh, arrests, and a breakthrough in an interstate ganja smuggling network.
In one raid, ANC officials detained five youths, including one Goan, at the Sunburn EDM venue in Dhargalim for allegedly using drugs. ANC SP Tikam Singh Verma stated that although the detainees consumed drugs outside the venue, they tested positive for drug use during the event.
“The detainees, from Texas (USA), Hyderabad, Chennai, Madhya Pradesh, and Cuncolim (Goa), were detained on suspicion of drug use. Saliva tests conducted at the Sunburn festival confirmed the presence of banned substances. Four tested positive for ganja, and one tested positive for cocaine,” Verma said during a press briefing at the police headquarters on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, sources revealed to The Goan that the local detainee, who is preparing to go abroad for employment, has been released to avoid affecting his future prospects. The other four detainees, all under 30 years old, were also released. “We let them go this time, but future actions will be stricter, regardless of circumstances,” a source said.
In a separate operation, the ANC arrested local resident Sachin Haldankar for allegedly possessing and selling Ecstasy and Charas worth Rs 7.7 lakh. The ANC team, posing as customers, apprehended him during a raid near ITI Tuem.
In another raid, the ANC arrested Nigerian national Joseph Uzor (44) in Parra for allegedly possessing cocaine worth Rs 1.5 lakh. Officials are currently investigating Uzor’s background and the legality of his stay in Goa and India.
SP Verma also announced a major success in cracking an interstate ganja smuggling operation with the arrest of its leader, Guddu Mochi Ram, a resident of Palamu, Jharkhand.
Months earlier, the ANC had arrested two Jharkhand natives and a Goan in Assonora with 13 kg of ganja.
“Through detailed investigations and technical surveillance, the ANC identified and apprehended the main supplier, who used economically disadvantaged individuals as couriers. This arrest was made possible with support from the Palamu Police, demonstrating effective inter-state coordination in tackling the narcotics trade. The accused is currently in police custody for five days,” Verma said, addressing the media alongside DySP Nerlon Albuquerque and the team.
