DRUG CHASE BEGINS AT CALANGUTE, ENDS IN SALIGAO

PANJIM: Calangute Police after a heroic chase arrested a Nigerian, an alleged kingpin of drug network in North coastal belt along with two other associates with various forms of narcotics worth Rs 1.54 lakh on late Saturday night.

Calangute Police arrested Ferninand Okonkwo (47), Michael Okafo (38) and Ogechukwu Anutanwa (29) under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Police Inspector Nolasco Raposo informed media persons that that in a late night incident on Saturday, the Calangute Police team tried to intercept silver colour car bearing Reg. No GA 07 L 5355 near Palmarinha Apartments, Calangute, however Okonkwo, the car driver, along with 2 other occupants fled towards Candolim side with Calangute Police team in hot pursuit.

“The car thereafter went towards Pilerne and finally at Saligao the driver lost control over the vehicle at the sharp turn near Harmalkar Residency and the car landed in the fields,” he said.

Raposo said all the accused were in possession various forms of drugs that include16 grams cocaine, 13 grams MDMA, 0.70 grams Ecstasy tablets and 0.18 grams of LSD, all valued at Rs 1.54 lakh.

All the three accused are arrested under Sections 21(b), 22(b), 22(c) and 29 of the NDPS Act. Okonkwo is also booked for rash and negligent driving by the Saligao police, who were also part of the operation.

Raposo said this is a commercial quantity case and materialised because of the initiative of Calangute Police who have booked 35 narcotic cases so far. “We appeal to the public to help us in controlling the drug menace,” he said.

The Police Inspector said that the further investigation in the case is in progress. For the first time the police had made use of Thar vehicle.  

Sources informed that Michael Okafo was the kingpin of drug network in North coastal belt. “He was wanted by police for last three-four years. Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) and Crime Branch had in the past made several attempts to arrest him but proved futile,” sources said.

Sources informed that during their chase, the driver rammed his car into stray cattle and two commuters, who were riding on a two-wheeler, were injured.  “In their chase, the accused made several attempts to get rid of the narcotics. Some was burnt in the car while some got washed away in water after their car fell into field. Two police constables also sustained minor injuries,” sources added.