Mormugao taluka has also reported various cases of drug use by young adults, especially in Higher Secondary and colleges. The rate of drug usage by youth has risen exponentially in Mormugao in the past few years, merely because of the easy availability. The proportion of students indulging in drug abuse has overtaken that of alcohol abuse.
A Herald investigation confirmed that 90 percent of students using drugs actually prefer consuming marijuana, which is more affordable as compared to alcohol which could be a costly affair. “It sometimes happens that we as students find it difficult to fit into a group. Hence to prove to ourselves that we can fit in and enjoy the new found freedom, we begin to smoke and drink. I started with just a puff of a cigarette a year ago, given to me by a senior and that has now progressed to me buying my own smokes and marijuana which is even more affordable than smoking branded cigarettes,” said a student in the twelfth grade.
Investigations also confirmed that students prefer using isolated places within the taluka.
Mormugao has a lot of isolated areas and hence students don’t find it difficult to settle down at a particular spot. The coastal belts of Bogmalo, Baina, Velsao and Arrossim are used frequently. Additionally, the area near Three Kings’ Chapel in Cansaulim is also used during the day time.
During a week long investigation by Herald, it has also come to light that in the evening hours, different places are used as drug hubs. Places including the forest area behind the Coast Guard Residential colony in Santerant-Chicolna Bogmalo and the open plots near Stone Water Eco Resort in Chicolna-Bogmalo, near the premises of the Japanese Garden at Headland Sada have become such hubs. Similarly, open plots near the industrial estate at Chicalim, Vaddem beach front, KTC bus stand premises, behind the Hindu crematorium in Khariwado, near the Muslim Kabristan at Maimollem and a few other places can also be included on the list.
The Investigation team went to some of these places on Wednesday evening. First stop was at the forest area behind the Coast Guard Residential colony in Santerant. At about 6.45pm, a group of youngsters on modified scooters made their way to the hill top. A few minutes later, a joint was prepared which was shared by all five. Similarly, there was another group of seven doing exactly the same thing.
The second spot was the Three Kings’ Chapel located on a hill top. The scene here was no different. Even here, a youth brigade was seen enjoying their joints in groups. Such rampant usage of drugs at isolated locations is mostly because even though police patrol the area, they only inquire about their presence there and leave the area thereafter without any further action.
