PANAJI
Following recent arrests of drug peddlers targeting students, Goa Police have raised concerns about young people falling into drug use due to peer pressure and emotional immaturity.
Speaking at a student outreach event in Panaji on Wednesday, Superintendent of Police (Anti-Narcotic Cell) Sunita Sawant said drug networks seem to be deliberately targeting the youth.
“There could be peer group pressure plus maturity not set at that time. As a result, students can get diverted... We are always told that the police know about it but when we lay our hands, we also wonder what to do? Whether we can rehabilitate them, counsel them, or act tough. Otherwise, their future is at stake,” she remarked.
She said police often struggle to choose between taking strict action or helping students through counselling, as a criminal record could seriously affect their future. “If still things do not improve, we go ahead and book offenses,” Sawant added.
These concerns come after several recent drug seizures in the State, including incidents where drugs were being sold near schools.
“We need parents and society to keep a watch too,” she added.
Sawant also warned that the police take strict action against anyone found involved in drug offences. She appealed to people to report such activities confidentially. “We urge all the people that you confidentially inform us. Your identity will be kept a secret,” she assured.
Just last week, North Goa police acted in two separate drug cases within 48 hours ” both involving suspects trying to sell drugs to students.
On June 16, Pernem police arrested 28-year-old Shivanand Gawade from Parcem. He was found with 732 grams of suspected ganja hidden in a Goa-registered two-wheeler. The drugs are estimated to be worth around Rs 70,000.
In a second operation on June 18, police arrested 19-year-old Harshadeep Ghanekar from Mayem in Bicholim. He was caught with 29 grams of suspected ganja, worth around Rs 2,900.
Superintendent of Police (North) Rahul Gupta confirmed that both accused were trying to sell the drugs to students.
