MAPUSA: Calangute witnessed a sharp spike in the number of drug related cases in 2017 as compared to the previous three years.
The total number of drug related cases booked in 2014 was 16, eight in 2015 and six in 2016, however the same was 31 in 2017 and the value of drugs seized in these 31 cases was Rs 30 lakh and number of persons arrested were 32.
The types of drugs seized include ganja, heroin, cocaine, LSD and MDMA. The highest quantity of drugs seized was ganja — 15 kgs followed by MDMA, LSD and cocaine.
Of the 32 arrested persons, eight were foreigners (seven Nigerians and one Ivory Coast citizen).
As a part of the crackdown on drug related activities, Calangute police sealed two premises. Police also uncovered illegal cultivation of cannabis plants in Calangute and seized plants worth Rs 10 lakh.
As for other crimes, four murder cases were registered at Calangute police station of which three were detected; besides, five cases of attempt to murder were also booked by the Calangute police between January and December, 2017.
Calangute Police also collected Rs 3,88,000 as fine from 1942 persons for smoking in public places; and Rs 5,03,200 as fine from 4,570 persons for violating traffic rules.
