VIBHA VERMA
PANJIM: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Goa concedes that drug peddlers are reeling under the impact of demonetisation as ‘demand and supply’ has been largely affected in the last three months.
A senior NCB official said that regular inspection of its surveillance teams at suspected locations has also impacted the drug trade in the State.
“Increase in regular field movement, vigilant checking at entry points of Goa and demonetisation has reduced the buying power of supply side and demand side for drugs,” the officer told Herald, explaining the current drug trade situation in the State.
Despite a small team and meager resources, the team – that works independently – is trying its best to curb the menace of drug abuse, particularly with the latest information surfacing that it has infiltrated the cities.
“We have broken the supply chain and are currently working on demand reduction. We have a very aggressive approach towards drug menace and are channelising our intelligence network in every corner of Goa,” he said adding that awareness campaign in over 75 schools and colleges has yielded positive results.
“Drugs have reached places like Mapusa and Margao, but we are making every effort to crack it. Our team is keeping watch on every suspected activity and acting as per information available,” he added.
Amongst those arrested during the raids and seizures, the NCB team has found Nigerians as the most challenging task. The officer refused to elaborate but stated that no specific country is on the radar. “Anybody can be involved in drugs,” he commented.
On November 8, 2016 Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes as “not legal tender” in a bid to fight corruption, terrorism, narcotics, black money and money laundering rampant in the country.
