Goa Police have arrested as many as 11 drug smugglers in a series of crackdowns on the narco trade during the last fortnight.
The department also sought a detention order under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act against three habitual offenders of Goan origin.
The action incidentally comes ahead of Hyderabad (Telangana) Police’s visit to Goa to investigate a case that saw the arrest of a drug peddler from Anjuna in the southern state last month. Eight other big names are also wanted by the Hyderabad police, who have taken consent from its counterparts in Goa for assistance.
A ‘report card’ by Goa Police states that North Goa District Police and Anti Narcotic Cell Police Station registered six and three NDPS cases, respectively. The raiding teams seized a cocktail of drugs, the value of which is estimated at Rs 31.69 lakh approx, from the Indian and foreign nationals who were caught red-handed with the banned substances.
“North Goa District Police and Anti Narcotic Cell Police Station have tightened their belts to curb and eradicate the drug menace in North District and in wake of the same...the accused/drug peddlers have been arrested,” reads a statement issued by North SP Shobhit Saxena.
In addition to this, three hardcore drug offenders 48-year-old Joao Antonio Lopes and 55-year-old Abilio D’Souza both living in Calangute, and 32-year-old Valy D’costa from Quepem are likely to face detention under PIT-NDPS Act. The department has sent a proposal seeking their preventive detention under the stringent anti-drugs law.
The report card also speaks about action taken against two illegal beach side structures, one of which was linked to BJP leader Sonali Phogat’s death. Curlies and 9 bar Mirage club have been closed, while Curlies has been partially razed for violation of GCZMA norms and the demolition is in process.
The department has also initiated a drug awareness program in schools, colleges, etc through police stations.
“Police Staff is also increased especially in the coastal area of North Goa District and strength of Police Staff has been increased to perform continuous patrolling in isolated places to collect intelligence to stop such illegal activities.,” said Saxena.
“Shack and Hotel owners are been briefed not to involve in any illegal activities and also warned that if such activities are found then strict action will be initiated against them which may even lead to the closure of their establishment,” he added.
“It is also prayed to the young youths around the state to not get influenced by such habits and spoil their health and career and also request to all people to provide information regarding any drug abuse in their locality cause its time to “TAKE A STAND, FOR DRUG FREE LAND,” Saxena further said.
