VALPOI
A major anti-narcotics operation by the Valpoi Police has once again highlighted concerns over the increasing presence of narcotics in Sattari Taluka. Two persons were arrested after police allegedly seized 5.091 kilograms of ganja, valued at around Rs 5 lakh, during a raid near the Pissurlem IDC bypass road at Honda.
Ating on specific intelligence, a team from the Valpoi Police Station laid a trap and intercepted the suspects. During the search, police recovered the contraband from backpacks carried by the accused, following which both were taken into custody.
The arrested have been identified as Banshidhar Brahma Hans (28) and Bikaschandra Sachidanand Hans (25), both residents of Taranja, Tambachhada, Dharamgarh, Kalahandi district in Odisha.
Police seized a total of 5.091 kilograms of ganja from their possession. Investigators are now probing whether the narcotics were intended for distribution in Goa, who the intended recipients were, whether an organised drug syndicate is involved, and whether the accused had any local contacts.
A case has been registered at Valpoi Police Station under Crime No. 32/2026 for offences punishable under Sections 20(b)(ii)(B) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The operation was led by PSI Khushali Naik with the assistance of Police Constables Akash Thakur, Mahendra Gawas, Gauresh Majik, Gauresh Vaigankar, Sulesh Naik, and Jitendra Thanekar.
Further investigation is being carried out by PSI Khushali Naik under the supervision of PI Vidyesh Pilgaonkar, with overall supervision by SDPO Bicholim Shridevi B. V. and Superintendent of Police (North Goa) Harish Madkaikar.
The seizure has been welcomed by residents, who described it as a positive step in the fight against drug trafficking. However, many believe that arresting only those transporting narcotics will not be sufficient to dismantle the larger network.
Residents have urged the police to identify the intended recipients of the consignment, trace those financing the operation, and uncover the local distribution network. Some felt that had the intended receivers also been apprehended during the operation, investigators could have exposed the entire supply chain.
Locals further pointed out that complaints regarding illegal drug activities in the Honda and Pissurlem panchayat areas have surfaced repeatedly over the past few years. Around eight months ago, an anti-narcotics operation at the Honda Kadamba Bus Stand also resulted in the arrest of a suspect, reinforcing concerns that the area is becoming increasingly vulnerable to drug-related activities.
