BASURI DESAI
The main chemical component used for the manufacture of syn thetic narcotic substances being circulated along Goa’s beach belt is allegedly being brought in from Gokarna in neighbouring Karnataka, as Goa’s law enforcement agencies maintain strict vig il over the movement of ket amine and other sensitive chemicals within the State, according to inputs received from local informants. The information suggests that the entire operation is alleg edly controlled by foreign nationals, who exploit in terstate routes and tourism linked networks to evade detection. Sources claim that while the Food and Drugs Admin istration, Anti Narcotics Cell and Goa Police closely moni tor pharmacies, laboratories and licensed manufacturing units for controlled sub stances such as ketamine, traffickers have shifted their supply chain outside the State. The key component is allegedly transported from Karnataka into Goa through interstate bus services and informal courier channels, bypassing conventional checks. Once inside Goa, the chemical is allegedly used to manufacture synthetic drugs that are supplied ex tensively across Canacona’s beach villages and hinter land areas, with the network reportedly extending fur ther north to popular coast al stretches such as Vagator and Chapora. Informants allege that the narcotics are distributed at private par ties, rented properties and unlicensed establishments, often operating under the cover of nightlife and tour ism activity. Residents fear that Cana cona’s remote and peaceful landscape is being deliber ately targeted due to lower surveillance and the pres ence of foreign tourists. The alleged cartel, sources say, involves foreign nationals coordinating local logistics, finances and distribution, while remaining insulated from direct street level ex posure. The situation has trig gered alarm following a recent death reported near a dam area in Canacona. While police investigations are underway and no offi cial conclusion has yet been announced, locals warn that such incidents underline the dangerous consequences of unchecked narcotics circu lation in rural and coastal communities. Voicing public concern, Vaibhav Fal Desai, a resident of Canacona, said the spread of drugs threatens both soci ety and livelihoods. “Canacona is known for its calm villages and respon sible tourism. Drugs are slowly destroying that iden tity. If this is not stopped immediately, our youth and our tourism-based econo my will suffer irreparable damage,” he said. Another resident, Mallesh Desai, stressed that the issue goes beyond law and order. “Tourism prospers only when a place is safe and clean. Drugs bring crime, addiction and fear. For the sake of our villages and the image of Canacona, this menace must be eliminated completely,” he said. Amid growing public anxiety, the Goa Police have reiterated their resolve to act firmly against organ ised narcotics networks. Director General of Police Alok Kumar recently stated that the police would focus on identifying and acting against the main players behind the drug trade rath er than limiting action to small-time peddlers. He assured that intelligence driven operations are being intensified across the State. Law-enforcement agen cies have also appealed to citizens to share credible information, assuring con fidentiality and protection to informants. Officials maintain that dismantling organised, foreign linked cartels requires sustained public cooperation along side enforcement action. As Canacona grapples with these disturbing rev elations, residents are demanding urgent, trans parent and decisive inter vention to protect local youth, restore public con fidence and preserve the region’s reputation as one of Goa’s most peaceful and sustainable tourism desti nations
