Team Herald

PANJIM: Goa Police have upped the ante on rampant drug menace along the coastal belt with Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander issuing strict instructions to come down heavily on the trade. Calangute, Anjuna and Pernem tourist hot spots have been put under constant watch considering the increasing number of cases from these areas. 

“The DGP laid special emphasis on the north coastal areas of Calangute, Anjuna and Pernem. He has directed his subordinates to ruthlessly go after the drug peddlers and arrest them,” said an officer, who was amongst those who attended the confidential meeting of Superintendents of Police, Sub Divisional Police Officers and Police Inspectors of the police stations in the coastal belt.

Chander also asked his officers to ensure that parties at night clubs do not violate the law and emphasised on drug-free events. “There has to be no excuse. All illegal activities in the coastal belt need to be stopped,” an officer said, adding that the police chief has also instructed on taking action against prostitution activities. 

When contacted, Chander told Herald that the department will not tolerate any menace in the State. Some of the specific points, he disclosed were about violation of visa permits by large number of foreign DJs. 

“We have come across this information,” he said referring to the offence. He also did not rule out the possibility of some international DJs carrying drugs to parties. “Those who violate the permission will face action,” he added. 

The meeting on the ‘war on drugs’ comes following the recent deaths of two tourists suspected due to drug overdose and illegalities by several party houses, including violation of sound permission.