In a coordinated operation, the Quepem Mamlatdar, Mines Department, and Curchorem Police uncovered a large-scale illegal sand extraction racket at Ocean Dew Fisheries Pvt. Ltd., a facility registered as a fisheries operation in Xelvona.
During the raid, authorities found no evidence of any fish-related activity. Instead, they discovered a full-fledged sand extraction setup using industrial suction pumps, raising serious questions about the company’s operations. Sources indicate that the illegal activity may have been running for an extended period under the cover of a legitimate fisheries business.
Upon arrival, officials faced resistance from on-site labourers, who claimed they were locked inside the premises and that only the owner held the key. Police were forced to break open the gate, after which the workers fled the scene.
The Mines Department has begun sealing the equipment and confiscating the sand stock found on the premises. Authorities have confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to identify all individuals involved and initiate legal proceedings.
The case underscores growing concerns over the misuse of commercial licenses to carry out environmentally harmful and illegal resource extraction in Goa.