the goan I network
MAPUSA
Referring to the recent haul of ketamine in Pissurlem and the subsequent sealing of a house in Parra, former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said drug trade has increased along the Calangute coastal belt allegedly under the patronage of the local MLA and the police.
“I am not against the police. The beat police are aware of all the nefarious activities that are going on along the coastal belt. But when police takes action the local MLA calls up and orders them not to take action,” Sequeira alleged.
The former sarpanch of Calangute was addressing a news conference in his office on Saturday.
Sequeira said along with drugs, other immoral activities such as prostitution and illegal operation of dance bars and spas also took place in the village.
He further alleged that main drug dealers were let off the hook while police took action against insignificant pedlars.
Sequeira said that Calangute MLA, Michael Lobo had promised to reveal names of police and politicians who were involved in the drug trade but till today nothing came out of it.
“This clearly shows that the local MLA is involved in nefarious business,” he alleged.
He also charged the Calangute MLA of encouraging dance bars and spas as more licences were issued to such units in recent times.
“Prostitution takes place in broad daylight near the old petrol pump in Calangute and along the Tito’s lane. Women are seen luring customers in the open thus maligning the name of Calangute,” Sequeira said.
The former sarpanch said that he was willing to work with the MLA to stop the nefarious activities happening in the village but the MLA was not interested.
Lobo denies hand in illegal activities
MAPUSA: Terming the charges made by former Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira as false and unfounded, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said both of them will have to work together along with the police in order to eliminate nefarious activities in Calangute.
“The former sarpanch should write to the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar if he has any information on drugs in Calangute and Candolim. Regular meetings are held in the CM’s office with top police officials, narcotics cell, narcotics cell bureau and other enforcement agencies,” Lobo said.
Giving a clean chit to police, he said, “Calangute Police has registered the highest number of cases in the State.”
“A consignment of the recent drug haul was supposed to be shipped to a foreign country,” he said and added that the Chief Minister was serious about ending the drug menace in Goa.
He said he won’t deny the existence of drugs along the coastal belt, but added that it was not in large quantities as it was being made out to be.
