ARAMBOL: Three deaths, allegedly after tourists had visited Arambol beach in Pernem taluka, have raised suspicion among villagers. All the deaths have occurred in Chief Minister Parsekar’s constituency, Mandrem. Herald investigations have revealed that all deaths are linked and allegedly resulted from locally-made drugs.
Locals and peddlers in the drug business, along the coast said that spurious drugs sold in the coastal areas have led to the three deaths. Locals strongly suspect that the deaths are due to drug overdose whereas industry people say it is due to locally-made drugs being sold.
“We have seen the body of the girl at Arambol beach near the sweet water lake and it appeared that death was due to drug overdose. There was a night party in the locality,” Arambol resident Sushant Agarwadekar said.
Another resident Kanta Korgaonkar said the US national, who died on January 12, was misbehaving just before he died and suspect that illicit drugs could have impacted his nervous system.
However, Goa Police have ruled out the possibility of a drug angle in all three death cases. DySP Mahesh Gaonkar said that of three deaths two autopsy reports have not mentioned a drug overdose and so this theory cannot be accepted.
“Police are investigating the cases and investigation is in progress, I cannot say anything further,” Gaonkar said.
Industry people revealed that drugs which were earlier smuggled into Goa are now being manufactured in Chapora and Morjim. The drugs being circulated have a manufacturing defect that could have led to the death of the tourists, suspect industry people.
“You need a small laboratory and a few test tubes and chemicals to manufacture LSD drops with the help of an expert chemist,” sources said.
Sources said chemists from Iran and Turkey come to Goa to manufacture drugs and are paid in lakhs of rupees as smuggling of drugs has become difficult. Sources said a sugar grain sized crystal of LSD costing around Rs 7-15 lakh is the main component. It can be brought in easily and can make 1000 drops of LSD. Each LSD drop is sold at a price ranging from Rs 3000 to Rs 6500.
“A notorious and famous chemist, locally known as ‘Chichee’, is presently in Goa, residing in the North Goa coastal village in some rented premises. Sources said he is a professional chemist from Iran and is involved in manufacturing synthetic drugs like LSD,” sources said.
Shocked at the deaths and police reluctance to curb rave parties, Arambol villagers will be meeting on Tuesday to present a united front.
