PANJIM: Movement restriction owing to COVID-19 pandemic has led to statistical reduction in drug seizure so far this year, but the news has come as a boon to the State as drugs nuisances have considerably dropped in last three months.
Officiating Director General of Police Jaspal Singh said that people involved in the drug-related activities are under pressure owing to the ongoing COVID-19 induced lockdown.
“For two months, the State borders were sealed. Even now there is regulated entry. There were also no international flights. So there is sizeable reduction… Even at the borders, and at railway station, whoever enters the borders are subjected to either home quarantine or COVID-19 test… Therefore people are definitely under pressure and afraid not to violate any laws,” Singh said on the sidelines of Goa Police’s event to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, on Friday.
During the tourist season 2019-2020, which abruptly ended in March 2020 due to the pandemic, Goa Police seized 94.185 kg valued at Rs 7.54 crore approx. Whereas from June 26, 2019 to June 26, 2020; the department has seized drugs worth Rs 10 crore.
To a media question, Singh said eradicating drugs will invite quality tourists. “With more seizures, more tourists will definitely be attracted to Goa. Goa is not about drugs, dance and beaches. Goa has much more to offer such as its pristine beaches, its architecture, it religious architecture, forests… it’s wonderful and it’s culturally very rich,” he said.
“Once we get rid of drugs, it is my personal opinion that quality tourists will be attracted and Anti-Narcotics Cell is committed to work in this direction,” he adds.
Details shared by ANC SP Shobhit Saxena indicate an estimated Rs 6.39 crore approx seizure of various types of drugs last calendar year. Out of 244 arrests of alleged drug peddlers, 109 were non-Goans, 75 Goans and 60 foreign nationals. Whereas, 2020 year till date has recorded seizure of drugs worth Rs 3.83 crore approx and 70 persons - 32 non-Goans, 22 Goans and 16 foreigners are booked for allegedly peddling drugs.
In his statement to the media, Singh added, “It is very important to continue our fight against drug abuse because the consumption of drugs, not only affects the consumers but also the entire family and the society as well.”
Emphasizing the need to fight against the demand for drugs, that ultimately drives its supply, the department has decided to hold meetings with the students, parents of those youth who have ‘mistakenly’ fallen prey to the menace and to also create awareness against drug abuse.