The State Police has lined up special narcotics teams, drug detection kits and a special forensic team to detect consumption and prevent sale of narcotics, at the Sunburn festival as Goa is all set to hold the biggest Electronic Dance Music (EDM) for three days from December 28 to 30.
The Police have also claimed that it has directed the organisers of the musical festival to strictly follow sound pollution regulations even as adequate steps have been taken for smooth flow of traffic during the event in Anjuna.
He said police will carry out random checking as a dedicated team has been set up exclusively for testing for drug consumption.
“We will not be lenient in drugs-related cases. We will be very, very strict. If we find anyone showing signs of drug consumption we can do immediate drug detection medical check up. Consumption itself is an offence and if something like this comes to our notice we will take necessary action,” he said.
In the past, the Sunburn festival has been embroiled in controversy after some youth died reportedly due to drug overdose. In 2019, three youth from Andhra Pradesh died allegedly due to overdose of drugs. Similarly, in 2009 and 2014 two young women died under similar drugs-related controversies while attending the EDM festivals.
The North Goa SP informed that Goa Police was well equipped and prepared to deal with all situations for the Sunburn.
“We are getting ready for the New Year celebrations and this is the time when maximum tourists come to Goa. Goa Police is well equipped and prepared. We are also getting ready for one of the major events that is Sunburn. Senior police officers have been clearly given proper instructions and we are ready to deal with all situations,” he said.
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‘No Covid-related instructions’
MAPUSA: While the Union Health Ministry has written to the States listing out precautions and preparations due to the rising number of Covid cases in China and other countries, SP North Goa, Nidhin Valsan (IPS) said that Goa Police have not received any specific instructions from the health department.
“The Health Department is the nodal agency as far as Covid regulations are concerned. When we get instructions/guidelines from the health department we will ensure those regulations are also fulfilled. If we get any orders, we will get it implemented,” Valsan said.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had recently said that the State government will not impose any Covid-19 restrictions till January 2 but will review the situation on January 3.
