The booking of another Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) sub zonal unit in Goa, Bhanu Pratap for amassing ill-gotten wealth is clear indication how drugs traffickers and peddlers made Goa as their permanent base.
In recent statement Goa CM Pramod Sawant said that locals are not involved in drugs trade. By this he is not helping to eradicate drugs trade prevalent in Goa other than promoting and inviting more locals into that nefarious dangerous career. As per information most of beach shacks are involved in drugs business. The shacks association will deny it but it is fact which Government of Goa and Goa Police cannot brush aside.
The most common drugs available along Goa coasts are ganja, hashish and cocaine. Last year DRI (Directorate of Revenue Intelligent) raid and seized of huge Ketamine in the premise of North Goa BJP leader is another proof that locals are involved in drugs trade. Even though the leader denied knowing criminal activities going on his premise it is hard for most to believe him due to his political connections.
A highly placed officer from Goa Police (CID) reveals that drug trade generate huge wealth, hundred fold greater than matka gambling prevalent on every nook and corner of State which is clear indication that local police officers are also involved in amassing ill-gotten wealth through exhortation of money from drugs traffickers, shack operators and night clubs. Without Goa Police personnel’s helps illegalities cannot survive in Goa.
An informal chat with one of Police Inspector in Goa reveals that drug mafias had established a well-organised network of drugs trade in Goa in convince with locals which toughen the task of some honest officers to trap them easily. It is also true that lower range of Goa police personnel act as informers of drugs traffickers which give them enough time from getting caught.
Before the drugs trade is mostly concentrated on the coastal belt but in recent past it is established fact that it entered in urban areas in closed approximate of Institutes and even prison premises of Goa. The small catch of many drugs within Goa cities proves that drugs trafficking goes all over Goa.
In recent years though the Goa Police have arrested many drugs peddlers and confiscated drugs from them but unfortunately the conviction rate of drugs peddlers is miserable very low. In the 80’s and 90’s we used to read often of many convictions under Goa NDPS act even though some cases the convicted drugs criminals came out of prisons much before their prison terms (that is another part of story state of our Govt. system) the recent past hardly there are any convictions. It is also surprising that Goa Police since long or never till now established source of drugs coming in Goa.
Drugs addiction had destroyed many Goan families and it can hunt anyone even politician’s families. As such Goa Police personnel and politicians should be more serious to eradicate narcotics trade prevailing in Goa. There should be zero-tolerance to drugs trade and Goa Police officers should be given firm warning not to show any leniency to drugs traffickers.
