PANJIM: Raising concern over a large number of Goan youth falling prey to the drug business, Congress has urged Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar to crack down on foreign drug mafias.
In a letter to the Chief Minister, Congress North Goa president Vijay Bhike pointed out to police failure in busting gangs of foreign drug mafias and peddlers, operating in coastal areas.
“The Congress party hereby requests the Chief Minister’s intervention to take immediate steps to carry out a special drive throughout the State to eradicate drug-related activities and getting hold over key players like foreigners,” Bhike said in his letter, also addressed to the Director General of Police.
He demanded that the government set up an Anti Narcotic Branch (ANC) in each district with sufficient and well-equipped staff to act against the illicit trade.
“ANC with limited force, equipment and technology, is obviously concentrating on booking big cases, however, they are of a minor nature. There are large numbers of activities going unnoticed,” the Congress leader stated.
Bhike stated that youth are falling prey to the drug trade and consumption. “Drugs, which were restricted to the coastal belt, have now entered the hinterland and in schools and colleges, with police authorities failing to act,” he charged.
Mandrem MLA Dayanand Sopte demanded that the government monitor the functioning of casinos to determine whether there is supply or consumption of drugs.
