Team Herald
PANJIM: For the first time in Goa’s history, an incumbent Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has gone on to state two harsh truths which were never admitted to by any government officially, in one sentence. That illegal rave parties happen in Goa and that drugs are openly sold in these parties.
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the Independence Day function, Parrikar said that strict instructions have been issued to the police to stop late night rave parties, on beaches and remote areas where there is a possibility of extensive use of narcotics.
“Late night rave parties are illegal and they are one of the areas where the use of drugs is extensive. Rave parties which happen on the beach or remote areas should be stopped immediately,” Parrikar said. He claimed that once youth become directionless they move towards unwanted vices including drugs.
In what can be seen as an indictment of the anti-drug police force the Chief Minister said, “I feel that action should be taken against drugs based on information. If there are late night parties going on then police should know that there may be some use of drugs somewhere if not at the venue.”
Spelling out issues to curb the narcotics trade, the Chief Minister mentioned that “the complexity of drugs has increased and there are many drugs which cannot be identified so easily and that is a challenge.”
The Chief Minister said the police will have to be more alert and cases against drugs traders should be booked.
Reacting to a statement by his cabinet colleague Vijai Sardesai, suspecting that there is a police-drug nexus in the State, Parrikar said that if anyone can give any specific lead on such association then action would be taken.
Sardesai on Monday had said that the nexus between policemen and drug peddlers is the reason behind use of narcotics in the coastal belt even as the government is committed to zero tolerance to drugs.
Earlier, in his Independence Day speech, referring to the issue of drugs the Chief Minister said that mounting frustration amongst the youth is one of the reasons behind the prevalence of drugs.
“There is news that drugs have been sold in the coastal belt. I have issued instructions to the State Police to crack down on the trade. But I feel one reason why drugs is increasing is frustration amongst the youth,” he said.
Parrikar said due to factors like unemployment youth have become directionless, forcing them towards vices.
