Team Herald
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has directed Goa Police to crackdown on all illegal parties, including the suspected drug-laced dance and music festivals.
With the government once again in the spotlight over suspected drug overdose deaths and illegal parties in the coastal belt, the CM called an emergency meeting with the police brass demanding action against those involved.
“There should be a crackdown on rave parties and all such parties that violate the Indian laws. If any party-house owner is found on the wrong side of the law, he/she should be arrested along with others involved in the criminal offence,” said an official, who was a part of the joint meeting with Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander, North Goa SP Chandan Chowdhary, ANC SP and coastal police on Monday.
Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar has demanded strict action against the Police Inspectors and the team in whose jurisdiction narcotics trade is carried out. “The Police Inspectors and constables should be held responsible. We want Goa to be drug-free. Goa Tourism should be drug-free tourism. Drugs get a bad name for Goa,” he said.
Conceding that drug dealing is carried out during the late night hours, SP Chowdhary assured that no music and/or rave parties will be allowed in the district beyond 10pm. “A large number of young domestic tourists visit Goa during the long weekends. Some of them carry drugs,” she said assuring action against the drug peddlers. “In the coming days, no party will be allowed in open spaces and after the 10pm deadline. Where there is music, there is a possibility of drugs and overconsumption of liquor. We will ensure that we adhere to this time limit,” she added.
