In a startling revelation, Calangute MLA Michael Lobo confirmed that multiple individuals, including police personnel, have been arrested in connection with a drug smuggling racket operating inside Colvale Central Jail. Lobo lauded the efforts of the police in exposing the network and taking strict action.
“Those involved in smuggling drugs into the jail have been arrested, and even police officials have faced suspension. The police have done commendable work in identifying and acting against their own staff,” Lobo said. He emphasized that these incidents are officially recorded and not being brushed under the carpet by the government.
Lobo expressed concern over the vulnerability of local youth to drug abuse and stressed the importance of parental and community vigilance. “Now it’s up to us locals to protect our children. I will raise a demand in the Assembly to increase the number of jail guards,” he said.
Highlighting manpower shortages at Colvale Jail, Lobo noted that currently, IRB personnel and Goa Police are supplementing the jail staff due to inadequate staffing. He urged the government to ensure that only trained jail personnel are deployed and called for robust CCTV surveillance to monitor all activities inside the facility.
The revelations have sparked renewed calls for prison reform and stricter oversight to curb the smuggling of contraband into state correctional facilities.