Cops get system that can tap 17,000 conversations at one go

Cops get system that can tap 17,000 conversations at one go
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, AUG 4
In what may be a threat to privacy, it has been revealed that Goa police monitored telecommunication records, which according to them is a bid to crack down on unlawful activities.
“ANC is doing effective use of phone surveillance for keeping a watch over the drug dealers and suppliers. ANC has increased the level of vigilance over ANC staff so that any malpractice can be checked so also zero tolerance policy towards corruption activities has been followed”, says a report released in the Legislative Assembly on July 28.
Police sources divulge that the department is outfitted with a phone surveillance system that can tap 17,000-odd telecommunications at one time. All suspects are being checked ever since the police-drug mafia nexus surfaced along the coastal belt.
The Government’s reply in the ad-hoc Committee report on Home said these measures were in the backdrop of arrests of (international) drug peddlers and seven police officials in the State.
The Government also stated that it has ensured an unobtrusive surveillance on foreigners and suspected traffickers. The report further said that efforts are on to strengthen informants and sources to carry out drug raids, on the basis of reliable information.
According to sources, it all began with the arrest of Israeli drug dealer David Driham aka Dudu who was intercepted with several kilograms of narcotics in his possession in February. This was followed by a string of arrests — another Israeli drug peddler Yaniv Benaim aka Atala, former anti-narcotic men including an inspector, one sub-inspector, a head constable each and constables.
Following this, the Goa police activated the surveillance system, especially wiretapping (cell phones) and probably text messages too. Records of all communication are apparently maintained.
After Dudu’s revelation exposing journalists in the narcotic triangle, mediamen were also not spared.
“When Dudu exposed that he directly and indirectly paid haftas to journalists to stop them from writing against the drug trade, phones of many were/are apparently under surveillance. Communication of journalists, especially those in the field for several years is being monitored”, the source said.
Meanwhile, earlier, the ad-hoc committee recommended the Government to revamp the ANC in totality and rope in experts to collect proper intelligence.
“A special study on the matter may be conducted by pulling in services of experts who may be mandated to give advice on the intricacies required to keep ANC free of drug peddler nexus while creating an intelligence network to gather proper intelligence to crack down on the menace of drugs in the State”, the Committee chaired by Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar recommended.