Expressing serious concern over the escalating drug menace in the state, MLA Vijai Sardesai on Monday said Goa is rapidly turning into a “drug haven” and a “narcotic hub”, with illegal substances now spreading beyond cities into schools, colleges, and even the hinterland.
Highlighting discrepancies in enforcement, Sardesai pointed out, “Police from Andhra and Hyderabad are coming to Goa and arresting drug suppliers and peddlers, while Goa Police seem to be focusing mostly on users and addicts. There are a lot of errors here.”
He said the situation has worsened, and recent figures only reinforce the grim reality of how deeply drugs have infiltrated Goan society. “It’s not just an urban issue anymore. Drugs have reached near educational institutions and rural areas as well,” Sardesai warned.
The MLA urged the government to reassess its strategy and shift focus from low-level users to the larger drug network, calling for coordinated efforts, stronger intelligence, and accountability to curb the crisis.