Minors also involved
in drug trade in Goa
Recently in the biggest catch in its history, the Goa police reportedly seized drugs worth Rs 11.6 crore and arrested a 23-year-old Bengaluru resident. It is learnt that on an average, one person was arrested in Goa in connection with a narcotics case every second day in 2024. Of the 188 persons arrested possessing narcotic substances, 54 were Goans.
Over the past few years several women have also been arrested for possessing drugs. But what has come as a shocker is that minors are also involved in drug-related crimes. The other day, a 15-year-old boy was apprehended by the Konkan Railway police with 8.184 kg of ganja at the Margao Railway Station. The minor boy was later produced before the Juvenile Justice Board for appropriate legal action.
With so many drug seizures, Goa has probably become a major conduit, a trading point and a hub for the international drug trade. Kudos to the Goa police, crime branch and all officials involved in apprehending the culprits. However, much more needs to be done in order to strengthen intelligence networks, enhance surveillance and crack down on drug-related crimes to safeguard our youths and society. The rise in seizures is not just a point of success for authority. It is also a warning sign of how seriously Goa has sunk into the drug trade quicksand. Authorities involved in investigating and acting against the international and national drug lobby operating directly or through agents in Goa have reportedly absolutely no doubt that Goa has become the focal point of psychotropic drugs.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Safe return of
Sunita and Butch
Everybody heaved a sigh of relief when Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned safely from the space where they were stranded for 268 days and their survival/safe return to the earth became a big question mark.
Elon Musk who rose to the occasion and organised to bring back Sunita and Butch safely in his Space X Crew Dragon Spacecraft deserves all appreciation and accolades. The mental strength, stoicism and optimism shown by the stranded astronauts are unmatched and worthy of emulation by the other astronauts who would be venturing into the space odyssey and travel to the moon and other planets in future. NASA and other space agencies like ISRO have a lot to learn from the travails of Sunita and Butch and the contingency plans in case of any technical failures of their space ships.
Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai
Need to curb
reckless driving
One of Goa’s most popular tourist destinations has recently witnessed a disturbing rise in reckless driving incidents. Several cases of hit-and-run accidents, road rage, and even violent altercations have been reported, raising serious concerns among locals. Just last month, a tourist driving a rented scooter carelessly rammed into a pedestrian near Baga junction and fled the scene, leaving the victim injured.
In another shocking incident, a group of tourists was involved in a late-night brawl with locals after a drunken driving dispute, creating chaos in the area. Such incidents not only endanger lives but also disrupt the peaceful environment of Calangute.
The growing issue of reckless driving by tourists in Calangute is putting lives at risk. Many visitors, unfamiliar with local traffic rules, speed through narrow roads, drive under the influence, and ignore safety measures like helmets. This has led to frequent accidents, endangering both locals and other tourists. Authorities must enforce stricter traffic rules, increase patrolling, and impose heavier fines on violators. Rental agencies should also ensure tourists are aware of road safety before handing over vehicles. Calangute’s charm should not come at the cost of safety. Urgent action is needed to curb this menace.
Asten D’Souza, Calangute