PANAJI
With the prevalence of substance abuse among a section of Goan population and tourists continuing to be a cause of concern, the State police have reiterated that Goa is a ‘consumption’ hub while emphasising its annual motto to eradicate narcotics. The law enforcement agencies, across India, are tackling yet another challenge of increased movement of drugs through courier services.
“Goa is a consumption centre. People come for recreation purposes. There is no gang or mafia operating but people do carry small quantities of drugs by concealing in their luggage and using different modes of transport to traffic it in Goa,” Director General of Police Jaspal Singh said while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of ‘Drug Trafficking Awareness Program’ to courier/parcel service agents.
Singh expressed concern that peddlers have switched to a new modus operandi to ensure various types of narcotics reach its destination and client. At the program attended by the courier/parcel service agents, the Goa Police officers urged them to remain vigilant while accepting and delivering the packs.
“Postal areas are being misused because it is found to be a safe medium of transporting drugs. A person on being caught can even deny that the consignment belongs to him/her. Therefore, we are making efforts to create awareness among the courier/parcel agents to stop the crime and detect suspicious behaviour of a person. We have to end the menace,” he added.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Nidhin Valsan said the department has prioritised intolerance to drugs. “Goa Police’s primary aim this year is to eradicate the menace of drugs from Goa. Our various specialised units including local police have raided several places and arrested many peddlers with the consignments,” he informed while addressing the attendees including police personnel.
During the peak tourist season last December, the Narcotics Control Bureau and Chhattisgarh police arrested a Raipur couple for allegedly attempting to courier three grams of meth to Goa, through a private courier service. The couple were arrested just before they were to board a flight to Goa, where they planned to consume drugs during their holiday stay.
With the prevalence of substance abuse among a section of Goan population and tourists continuing to be a cause of concern, the State police have reiterated that Goa is a ‘consumption’ hub while emphasising its annual motto to eradicate narcotics. The law enforcement agencies, across India, are tackling yet another challenge of increased movement of drugs through courier services.
“Goa is a consumption centre. People come for recreation purposes. There is no gang or mafia operating but people do carry small quantities of drugs by concealing in their luggage and using different modes of transport to traffic it in Goa,” Director General of Police Jaspal Singh said while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of ‘Drug Trafficking Awareness Program’ to courier/parcel service agents.
Singh expressed concern that peddlers have switched to a new modus operandi to ensure various types of narcotics reach its destination and client. At the program attended by the courier/parcel service agents, the Goa Police officers urged them to remain vigilant while accepting and delivering the packs.
“Postal areas are being misused because it is found to be a safe medium of transporting drugs. A person on being caught can even deny that the consignment belongs to him/her. Therefore, we are making efforts to create awareness among the courier/parcel agents to stop the crime and detect suspicious behaviour of a person. We have to end the menace,” he added.
North Goa Superintendent of Police Nidhin Valsan said the department has prioritised intolerance to drugs. “Goa Police’s primary aim this year is to eradicate the menace of drugs from Goa. Our various specialised units including local police have raided several places and arrested many peddlers with the consignments,” he informed while addressing the attendees including police personnel.
During the peak tourist season last December, the Narcotics Control Bureau and Chhattisgarh police arrested a Raipur couple for allegedly attempting to courier three grams of meth to Goa, through a private courier service. The couple were arrested just before they were to board a flight to Goa, where they planned to consume drugs during their holiday stay.
The NCB Goa and State FDA have already directed the domestic and international courier services to scan the parcels thoroughly.
