Cocaine was concealed in chocolate and coffee packets.
PANAJI
In one of the biggest narcotics seizures in Goa’s history, the Crime Branch (CB) has confiscated 4.32 kilograms of high-grade cocaine valued at Rs 43.20 crore. The consignment, concealed in chocolate and coffee packets, was intercepted during a delivery attempt on Monday.
Three alleged peddlers, including a couple from Sada-Vasco, have been arrested, with the police stating the sophisticated packaging and method of concealment suggest possible international links.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Rahul Gupta described the operation as a “very important and massive drug bust,” while crediting the coordinated efforts of the CB, Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), and North District Police.
“We received credible inputs about a group attempting to deliver a drug consignment. Upon apprehension, packets of white powder were found hidden inside chocolate and coffee packaging. Preliminary field testing confirmed the substance to be cocaine,” Gupta said.
The arrested persons have been identified as Nebu Vincent alias Winson and the husband-wife duo Manguesh and Reshma Wadekar. They were caught with a total of 32 packets”14 pink, 14 green, and four coffee-branded. Gupta said they believe Reshma was instrumental in sourcing the consignment, while Vincent and Manguesh handled its distribution. “The packaging was sophisticated and carefully designed, indicating a transnational drug trafficking route. Reshma had recently travelled abroad. We are probing whether the narcotics were smuggled into India from overseas,” the officer said.
Initial background checks revealed that the Wadekar couple have a criminal history. Reshma was previously arrested in a prostitution case, while Manguesh is facing a rape charge. Vincent has no known criminal record and may have been used as a courier.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant commended the police for the operation, calling it a “testament to the State’s sharp vigilance and professional excellence in the fight against narcotics.”
However, Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao criticised the government, stating the scale of the seizure pointed to a larger, undetected drug network. “It is contributing to Goa’s growing reputation as a hub for narcotics. This has further destroyed the culture of Goa. The Goa government has failed to eradicate the drug menace, which has reached from beaches to cities and villages,” he stated.
Monday’s bust comes just weeks after the Crime Branch dismantled a hydroponic cannabis racket worth Rs 11.67 crore, previously the largest seizure in the state. So far this year, the Crime Branch has registered eight drug cases, arrested 12 persons, and seized narcotics worth Rs 55.27 crore.
