In a significant move against illegal narcotics, Calangute police have arrested a 33-year-old man from Candolim during a carefully coordinated raid in North Goa. Acting on a credible tip-off, the operation led to the seizure of 550 grams of suspected ganja (cannabis), valued at approximately ₹55,000 on the street.
The suspect, identified in some reports as Vinay K., was apprehended at a secluded spot in Calangute. A thorough search by the police uncovered the contraband, which had been hidden inside a polythene bag—packaged in a manner suggesting it was meant for distribution. The accused was taken into custody on the spot, and a formal investigation is now underway.
Police officials stated that the operation was the result of sustained surveillance and timely intelligence regarding drug-related activities in the area. Preliminary findings suggest the suspect was engaged in small-scale peddling, targeting both tourists and local residents in the bustling coastal town.
The arrest has triggered concerns among residents and business owners, particularly in light of Calangute’s reputation as a key tourist hotspot. Law enforcement authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on narcotics and have urged the public to report any suspicious activity.
The seized substance has been sent for forensic testing, and a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police are also probing possible links between the suspect and broader drug networks operating in the region.
This arrest forms part of a broader crackdown on narcotics across North Goa, where police have stepped up efforts to curb drug trafficking and safeguard the region’s social fabric and tourism-based economy. Authorities have affirmed that more such targeted operations are in the pipeline as part of their ongoing campaign against drug abuse.