Drugs worth Rs.25 lakh seized in Goa

Panaji, April 24 (IANS) Hours after Goa Director General of Police Bhimsain Bassi's claim that drugs were 'virtually non-existent in Goa', a Nigerian was arrested Saturday with drugs worth nearly Rs.25 lakh.

A senior police officer said Felix Otedo, 24, was taken into custody in the wee hours of Saturday with nearly half a kilogram of cocaine and 45 gm of ecstacy, a popular party drug.

The raid comes a few hours after an insistent Bassi told reporters on the sidelines of a police felicitation function Friday night that drug trade in Goa had been run into the ground following a crackdown on narcotics trade by the state anti-narcotics cell (ANC).

'We have practiced a no-tolerance attitude towards big time operators in Goa. I can say with confidence that drugs are virtually non-existent in Goa now,' Bassi said.

He 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,' he said.

The statement was a hark back to a similar one by Goa Home Minister Ravi Naik some months ago when he said there were no drugs in the state.

Within a week, the police 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 inspector, were also arrested in connection with the arrest of Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala last month.