Not aware of police nexus with drug dealer: Goa top cop

PANAJI - Goa police chief Bhimsain Bassi Saturday said he was not aware of any alleged links between three senior police officers and Israeli drug dealer David Driham, alias Dudu, who was arrested earlier this week.

Speaking to reporters at the police headquarters, Bassi also said that no disciplinary action had been taken against any police officer in the case.

“I am not aware if it is fact or fiction. I would suggest you get the official version from us. Someone may be trying to spread disinformation,” Bassi said. “When the investigations are completed, we will reach the conclusion,” he added.

When Dudu was arrested Monday, the anti-narcotics sleuths are said to have stumbled upon a secret police dossier on the drug dealer at his residence.

During interrogation, Dudu has reportedly revealed that he had paid off three senior police officials for tipping him off on anti-narcotics raids in north Goa, where he was operating.

Bassi described Dudu, who was arrested with a cocktail of drugs worth approximately Rs.300,000, as “a most infamous person who knew how to hoodwink the system and how to wriggle out of difficult situations”.

“The arrest of Dudu will be a nail in the coffin of drug peddlers. We have zero tolerance towards drugs. We will continue to maintain pressure on drug peddlers in Goa,” Bassi said.

Police have described Dudu as the kingpin of the narcotics trade in north Goa, which includes narcotics hubs like Anjuna, Calangute, Arambol and Morjim - all beach stretches known for the easy availability of drugs.

Police have also said that Dudu was involved in the drug trade in the state for more than a decade. Dudu, who was arrested in 2008 by the Mumbai police, had earlier been served a ‘Leave India’ notice.