Probe on to ascertain source of contraband
MAPUSA
In a major crackdown on narcotics, Anjuna Police have arrested a foreign national and seized drugs worth over Rs 23 lakh during a carefully planned raid at Sonarkhed in Assagao.
The accused, identified as Sokratis Michailidis (59), a Greek national currently residing at Badem in Assagao, was found in possession of a substantial quantity of narcotic substances.
Police recovered 2.271 kg of charas valued at approximately Rs 22.71 lakh and 10.77 grams of ecstasy worth around Rs 1.10 lakh, taking the total seizure to Rs 23.81 lakh.
The operation was carried out following specific intelligence inputs and involved meticulous planning by the Anjuna Police team. Officials described the seizure as a significant success in their ongoing efforts to curb the drug trade in the coastal belt.
Police sources said the accused is suspected to be part of a larger network involved in the distribution of narcotics in the region, which is known to witness increased activity due to tourist inflow.
Further investigations are underway to ascertain the source of the contraband and possible links to interstate or international drug syndicates.
The raid was led by Anjuna PI Suraj Gawas, along with PSI Viraj Naik and a team of police personnel, who executed the operation.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The accused was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Mapusa, which remanded him to 10 days of police custody for further interrogation.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of SDPO Mapusa Wilson D’Souza and Superintendent of Police (North) Harishchandra Madkaikar.
Senior police officials stated that intensified surveillance and targeted operations will continue across Bardez to dismantle drug networks and maintain law and order.
