Drugs virtually non-existent in Goa, says senior cop
By IANSFriday, April 23, 2010
PANAJI - Drugs are virtually non-existent in Goa, state Director General of Police (DGP) Bhimsain Bassi said Friday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a police felicitation function late Friday evening, Bassi said the state anti-narcotics cell (ANC) had been cracking down on narcotics trade in Goa.
“We have practiced a no-tolerance attitude towards big time operator in Goa. I can say with confidence that drugs are virtually non-existent in Goa now,” Bassi said, adding that the Goa police were hitting the drug runners hard.
Bassi said Goa was not a drug transit or a drug producing state.
“Goa is a victim state. We will keep sustained pressure on any drug related activities,” the DGP said.
Bassi’s statement is a hark back to a similar statement by Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik some months back when he had said there were no drugs in Goa.
Within a week of the home minister’s ‘no drugs’ rhetoric, the Goa police had embarked on a series of raids which culminated in the arrest of notorious drug dealer David Driham alias Dudu, who was known for his links to politicians, policemen and journalists.
Six police officers, including a senior police inspector, were also arrested in connection with the arrest of another Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala last month.
