Augusto Rodrigues
PANJIM: The Anti-Narcotic Cell (ANC) of Goa Police, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), seized over 100 kg of narcotics in 2024. Among the haul was a substantial quantity of marijuana, which remains a major concern for local authorities and medical professionals due to its links to mental health disorders.
The ANC alone recovered 92.988 kg of drugs, valued at over Rs 6.94 crore, with the largest seizure being 73.417 kg of ganja. In addition, the NCB made 19 arrests, including 14 Indians and five foreigners. Among the seized drugs, cocaine was notably found in the possession of foreign nationals on two separate occasions.
The increasing use of chemical drugs in Goa’s coastal areas has prompted widespread concern, while medical experts also warn about the rise in mental health issues linked to cannabis use. Dr Rajesh Dhume, head of the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at North Goa District Hospital, expressed alarm over the growing prevalence of cannabis addiction, which has now spread from the coastal belt to the State’s hinterland. He attributed this shift to the pandemic, which facilitated the expansion of drug networks into Goa’s interior regions.
In 2023, data from Goa Police showed significant drug seizures, including over 2.4 metric tonnes of Ganja and 790 grams of charas. These seizures, largely concentrated in areas like Maina-Curtorim, Mormugao, Ponda and Mardol, indicate the expanding reach of drug networks in Goa, with authorities working hard to curtail the illegal trade.
Increasingly, intelligence agencies are seen working together in drugs-related cases. Two individuals detained recently by the ANC following a request from the Crime Branch of Delhi Police is one such case. This collaboration between different intelligence agencies highlights the growing effort to dismantle drug networks operating in Goa, but it also underscores that Goa continues to be a soft target for drug traffickers.
According to Tikam Singh Verma, Superintendent of Police (SP) of the ANC, the recent detention of two individuals was part of a larger investigation by Delhi Police into a major drug seizure. “A large quantity of drugs was seized in New Delhi, and after further investigation, Delhi Police sought our help to locate individuals connected to the drug trade,” Verma stated.
Overdose deaths have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.
For example, in the investigation into the death of a Kerala resident at a Goa music festival at Vagator Beach in January 2024. A senior Kerala Police officer, commenting on the case, suggested that stronger investigative efforts could have yielded better results.
Goa has long been known as a hotspot for drug trafficking, with international peddlers seeing the State as a safe haven for their activities. Despite efforts from the Goa Police and NCB, some officials believe that tackling the problem will require greater cooperation from the local community. “The police can only do so much; local assistance is crucial to get to the heart of the operations,” said a senior officer from the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (NEW), speaking on condition of anonymity.
One of the main concerns highlighted by experts is the mixing of chemicals with narcotics to increase profits, which has led to a rise in overdose cases. Dr Fenton D’Souza, who has provided medical services at electronic dance music (EDM) parties in Goa, emphasised that most overdose victims are those who consumed impure or adulterated drugs.
Drug peddling in Goa has reportedly become more insidious, with local taxi drivers and hotel staff often acting as intermediaries between dealers and tourists, according to an NCB source who wished to remain anonymous. “Breaking the network takes time but finally, the link is busted in most cases,” the source added.