TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: A team of Goa unit of Narcotics Control Bureau busted a drug syndicate on Wednesday evening with the arrest of three locals including a drug dealer who were caught red-handed for possessing Rs one crore worth date rape drugs. They were apparently planning to supply these to beach parties along the coastal belt.
The team confiscated 450 bottles of ketamine, weighing 4.5kg, all of which are valued at Rs one crore in the international market. Poriem resident Amir Malik, who first to be arrested in the raid, disclosed names of two of his accomplices – Christo and Sanman – who were subsequently arrested from another place.
Sources said this is the first ever biggest Ketamine seizure in the State. All the three youth have been remanded to NCB custody as further interrogation would reveal a bigger network operating in narcotics trade.
Several lakh domestic and international tourists are arriving in Goa for the ongoing tourist season. The influx has mounted since last month as several beach-side parties are being hosted.
Ketamine is used in party circles as a ‘date rape drug’ and is in huge demand in South East Asia, where it commands a price of Rs 20-30 lakh per kg.
Ketamine is primarily diverted from its use as an anesthetic and used in clubs and rave parties. It comes in the form of powder and also as liquid solution, which may be taken orally or mixed in drinks.
