PANAJI
The NDPS Court in Mapusa has granted bail to two locals, Raju Salgaonkar and Michael Fernandes, in connection with alleged possession and peddling of drugs in the coastal belt.
Salgaonkar is an operator of a rent-a-bike business in Saligao, while Fernandes, from Candolim, has been made a co-accused.
The accused, allegedly caught red-handed in possession of cocaine, were arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (Goa Unit) about a fortnight ago.
The NCB swooped down on the duo following a revelation by a Nigerian national, namely Iwuala Udoko Stanley, about his links in Goa. The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau and the Panjagutta Police had earlier this month arrested Stanley, 43, for allegedly smuggling drugs worth Rs 8 crore from Goa.
The Nigerian was living in Candolim, from where he operated the illicit trade under the pretext of a clothing business. Not only did he clandestinely run the business, but the Telangana police had then said that an undertrial by the name Okra, lodged in Colvale jail, had been in constant touch with him through a smartphone.
The interrogation of these accused led the NCB team to the two locals in the coastal belt.
