On 16 June, Pernem Police arrested 28-year-old Shivanand Gawade from Parcem, who was found with 732 grams of ganja worth ₹70,000 concealed in his scooter. Just two days later, Bicholim Police apprehended 19-year-old Harshadeep Ghanekar from Mayem with 29 grams of ganja valued at ₹2,900. Both arrests were part of a special operation by the police targeting drug peddling near schools and colleges.
While the arrests have been welcomed, social activists and concerned citizens argue that such actions are merely cosmetic and do little to dismantle the deeper, organised drug networks operating across the state.
During a drug-awareness event on 22 June, the Superintendent of Police, Anti-Narcotics Cell, acknowledged the scale of the issue, saying, “Illicit drug trafficking and drug use are rising, especially among the younger generation. It’s destroying families and society and poses a national threat. This menace must be eradicated.”
Sabina Martins, Convenor of Bailancho Saad, raised critical questions about the nature of the arrests. “Selling ganja to students is deeply worrying. But were they caught selling or merely in possession? The legal consequences differ significantly,” she toldO Heraldo.
Political analyst Trajano D'Mello was more direct in his criticism. He questioned the role of law enforcement, especially in the coastal belt of Mandrem and Morjim, where night parties and EDM festivals allegedly serve as hubs for drug distribution. “It’s naïve to believe these parties are drug-free. Children are being exposed and tempted. Corruption and lack of enforcement are enabling this,” he said. He also referenced a High Court directive mandating a 500-metre drug-free zone around EDM venues — a directive he claims is routinely flouted.
Social activist Mariano Ferrao went further, accusing the government of protecting drug networks. “Drugs have reached the interiors of Goa. The police may register cases, but ‘Godfathers’ suppress them. This emboldens the drug mafia. The youth — our future — are the casualties,” he warned. Ferrao linked the rise in youth-related crimes to drug addiction and called for immediate, stringent legislation.
Activist Anthony D'Silva reflected on the long-standing nature of the problem, recalling instances over the past three decades. “Years ago, there were reports of drugs hidden in chocolates and chewing gums. Now it’s stickers and tattoos. It’s not just a police issue — schools and parents must also take responsibility,” he said, urging school administrations to monitor student activity near campuses closely.
Roland Martins, Convenor of the Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN), welcomed the police action but stressed the importance of community involvement. “Efforts by the North Goa District Police are commendable. But they must be supported by school managements and PTAs. Civil society must play an active role,” he said.
He pointed to recent capacity-building workshops conducted under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the enforcement of provisions under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which restrict the sale of tobacco near schools, as important but limited measures.
With the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking approaching on 26 June, activists and citizens are calling for a comprehensive and coordinated response to protect Goa’s youth from the spiralling drug crisis.
Political analyst Trajano D'Mello was more direct in his criticism. He questioned the role of law enforcement, especially in the coastal belt of Mandrem and Morjim, where night parties and EDM festivals allegedly serve as hubs for drug distribution. “It’s naïve to believe these parties are drug-free. Children are being exposed and tempted. Corruption and lack of enforcement are enabling this,” he said. He also referenced a High Court directive mandating a 500-metre drug-free zone around EDM venues — a directive he claims is routinely flouted.
Social activist Mariano Ferrao went further, accusing the government of protecting drug networks. “Drugs have reached the interiors of Goa. The police may register cases, but ‘Godfathers’ suppress them. This emboldens the drug mafia. The youth — our future — are the casual-ties,” he warned. Ferrao linked the rise in youth-related crimes to drug addiction and called for immediate, stringent legislation.
Activist Anthony D'Silva reflected on the long-standing nature of the problem, recalling instances over the past three decades. “Years ago, there were reports of drugs hidden in chocolates and chewing gums. Now it’s stickers and tattoos. It’s not just a police issue — schools and parents must also take responsibility,” he said, urging school administrations to monitor student activity near campuses closely.
Roland Martins, Convenor of the Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN), welcomed the police action but stressed the importance of community involvement. “Efforts by the North Goa District Police are commendable. But they must be supported by school man-agements and PTAs. Civil society must play an active role,” he said.
He pointed to recent capacity-building workshops conducted under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the enforcement of provisions under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which restrict the sale of tobacco near schools, as important but limited measures.
With the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking approaching on 26 June, activists and citizens are calling for a comprehensive and coordinated response to protect Goa’s youth from the spiralling drug crisis.