PANJIM: The Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB), Goa Unit, arrested three individuals, including two minor, for possession of drugs valued at around Rs six lakh in the international market.
NCB during a raid conducted on March 5 at Saligao, arrested one Vicky Fernandes from Moira along with two juveniles aged 16 years, for having in their possession 200 LSD papers worth Rs 6 lakh.
Superintendent of Police (NCB) Jitendra Ranjan, said that both the juveniles have been referred to the State-run juvenile home – Apna Ghar, while Vicky is in judicial custody in Mapusa.
“We are further probing whether there exists a larger network involving juveniles. Juveniles could be used in the narcotic trade as they are not suspected by the law enforcement authorities,” Ranjan said.
Although a few minors were apprehended in drug raids in the last couple of years, instances of young children used as drug couriers is largely seen along the coastal belts. The present MLA of Calangute, Michael Lobo and the former MLA Agnelo Fernandes, both have alleged that rackets are being run along the coastal belts wherein minors are used for narcotic trade or for begging.
Both have slammed the police for turning a blind eye to the entire issue.
