The ongoing peak tourism season which used to be the catalyst for the narcotics trade is not what it used to be until last year. The once flourishing “trade” has taken a backseat with demonetization severely denting it. Goa police have registered over 10 cases in the last three months of tourist season that includes eight cases by ANC. The narcotics seizure was marginal, indicating the downslide of his trade.
“It has become difficult for drug peddlers to “procure” the contraband substance. They do not have the cash and in this trade the only hard truth is MONEY,” ANC Chief Kartik Kashyap told Herald, confirming the impact of demonetisation on this trade.
He said drug dealers are lying low for the want of huge cash. “The impact is seen on the seizures between October-December. The quantities were very less,” he said.
Undoubtedly the exchange of drugs with cash has seen a significant drop. Another senior police officer on the condition of anonymity revealed that the coastal belt where the business thrived without the fear of the law has come to a grinding halt after demonetization.
“The dealing is always done in hard cash and with Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes losing their legal tender, there are hardly takers for narcotics. We always remained alert about the possible entry of synthetic and newest form of drugs into the State during the peak season, but the situation seems lull this year,” the police station in charge said.
So is it the foreign nationals or Indians more involved in the drugs trade? Who are the kingpins? Mr Kashyap denied any organized distributor running the racket stating there is no particular kingpin.
Records further indicate that more domestic tourists are caught in the illicit trade than foreigners. The ANC chief explained that foreigners who want to self finance their holidays in the State or country are mostly involved in it while majority among the Indians caught in the trade are those hailing from North India, particularly Hiimachal Pradesh. “They bring charas to sell here during this season,” he said denying any particular kingpin “There are also some local elements.”
Despite all this, the department is ensuring heightened patrolling along the coastal belt also as the State is soon to go to the polls. “This is election year and we cannot take a chance. We have undertaken bonds under section 107 CrPC from persons involved in crimes. The bond is for good behavior. Besides, security and surveillance along the heavy tourist areas are stepped up,” Mr Kashyap, who also holds additional charge as SP of the north district, said.
Asked whether the locals illegally leasing out their premises to outsiders would be taken to task, the officer replied in positive stating they have begun a crackdown. Moreover, giving away rented bikes without accepting proper documents from the customers is also being checked.
