PANAJI
Launching one of its biggest coordinated enforcement drives against narcotics in recent months, Goa Police registered 10 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 12 persons during a statewide overnight crackdown codenamed 'Operation Prahar'.
The teams deployed at various locations seized a huge quantum of drugs including ganja, LSD, cocaine, charas, ketamine and ecstasy.
Information shared by the department reveals the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), Coastal Police, Traffic Police, Crime Branch and other specialised wings also targeted other criminal and illegal activities, conducting simultaneous raids, vehicle checks, railway inspections and verification drives.
“The operation forms part of a three-year roadmap aimed at achieving a drug-free Goa by strengthening enforcement, disrupting trafficking networks and increasing preventive policing. Operation Prahar reflects Goa Police’s commitment to a proactive, intelligence-led and coordinated approach towards narcotics, crime and other illegal activities,” the spokesperson said.
It further said that district police units, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), Coastal Police, Traffic Police, Crime Branch and other specialised wings participated in the coordinated operation at multiple locations across Goa.
Railway stations and trains were among the key focus areas of the operation. Railway Police conducted surprise checks at Thivim and Margao railway stations, identifying trains considered vulnerable to drug trafficking and carrying out intensive searches of passengers and luggage with the assistance of sniffer dogs.
Police said searches were conducted in 11 trains operating on the Konkan Railway and South Western Railway routes to prevent transportation of narcotics through the railway network.
The enforcement drive also extended to interstate road transport. More than 120 buses operating on the Maharashtra-Goa and Karnataka-Goa routes were checked, and over 500 passengers were verified.
The Coastal Police simultaneously carried out surprise inspections at vulnerable locations to curb suspected illegal sand mining activities.
Extensive nakabandis were set up across the State, during which more than 1,000 vehicles were checked. “A total of 50 persons were rounded up for drunken driving and legal action initiated against them,” it said.
The operation also included verification of foreign nationals staying in Goa, as two foreign nationals found overstaying without valid visas were rounded up for action under the relevant provisions of law.
“The operation sends a clear message that Goa Police has zero tolerance towards the drug trade and criminal activities. Such coordinated and sustained enforcement operations will continue to be undertaken to disrupt criminal networks, strengthen preventive policing and ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors to Goa,” the police said.
