Novel ways of
hiding drugs
In the largest drug seizure in the state’s history, the Crime Branch on Tuesday reportedly arrested three individuals in possession of 4.32 kgs. of cocaine valued at Rs. 43.20 crore. This bust comes just weeks after the Crime Branch dismantled a hydroponic cannabis racket worth 11.67 crore. It must be said that the amount of drugs being confiscated is increasing with every seizure. Goa is slowly but surely becoming a vital conduit for drug trade. However the worst part is that the contraband was camouflaged in coffee, chocolate and wafer packets and was meant to be sold locally in Goa. According to the police, the sophisticated packaging and method of concealment suggest possible international links.
This modus operandi could lead to drugs being available near educational institutions including schools and colleges which could go undetected. Chocolates and wafer packets are easily available at shops and kiosks near educational institutions. It must be said that the earlier young people start using drugs, the greater their chances of continuing to use them and become addicted later in life. Taking drugs when young can contribute to the development of adult health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders. Young people who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health-related problems, including mental health, poor relationships, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. The state government should accept that drug abuse around educational institutions is a grave problem and take necessary steps to dismantle the drug channel.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
A fractured land
If 11 years after assuming the post of PM, all Modi can talk about is Mussalmaan and puncturewallas then it is obvious that there is no cure for a bigoted mind. The media has been instructed to downplay or bury anything that shows BJP/India in poor light now that Narendra Modi is the PM.
The moment he stops being the PM, this same partisan media and Sanghis will be writing about how India has regressed by atleast a hundred years but they will not talk about Modi's failure in contributing towards India being left behind.
While the world is busy breaking internet speed records, inventing Deep Seek, Large Language Learning Model AI, manufacturing trains that have the capability to run at 600 km/ hr, churning out 3D printed skyscrapers and human organs, brainwashed people are busy in a civil war targeting the minorities and digging masjids to find non existent mandirs below. @ 800 crores people ie. 60% of India's population is subsisting on 5 kg of free rations monthly, this is an issue of great shame but his acolytes shout from the rooftops at ever given opportunity that it is a matter of great pride for India that Modi is handing out dole (referred to as 'food security') to a majority of Indians.
The ruling dispensation doesn't realize that 80% of Indians are really suffering under Modi's rule, they are so besotted with his inflammatory religious rhetoric that they can not see beyond their nose. My heart bleeds for India.
Vinay Dwivedi, Benaulim
Manpower shortage
in Goa Police force
The Goa Police Department is facing a shortage of personnel across different ranks compared to the sanctioned strength impacting the operational capacity of the force. Though the breakdown of law and order and inadequate policing is partly also a result of lack of training, resources and other factors, shortage of constabulary and police officers also account for it.
It is primarily the responsibility of the state government administration to recruit more women police personnel including improvement of gender balance. The Centre has issued advisories to the states for increasing number of women in the police forces. And to strengthen welfare measures for women police personnel and ensure their safety and a conducive work environment such as provision of housing, medical and rest room facilities for women police personnel in Police Stations to attract women to join the Police Force. Police forces must undergo modernisation and become a professional force for adapting to the evolving needs of society. Till now, six committees, including the National Police Commission, have been set up by the government. These committees made recommendations in favour of major police reforms. But the recommendations of these committees have not seen the light of the day.
K G Vilop, Chorao
HC order worries
some Goan MLAs
The landmark High Court order which is actually forcing the Goa Government administration has more than the one major implication!
Surely the inhabitants of the illegal vote-bank settlements are worried but the other major worry is for specific long running politicians and quite a few others have been misusing these vote banks, to enjoy absolute power in Goa.
It’s not a surprise these politicians have the most serious criminal/corruption cases, but their political clout stemming from these illegally set up vote banks on government or communidade land, helps them stay above their law!
Hopefully this landmark High Court order can help with the major cleansing of politics and provide better governance; with the reduction/elimination of political clout of these specific politicians, who are seriously manipulating the actual Goan democratic choices via illegally setup vote banks!
Arwin Mesquita, Colva