In biggest single day catch, Goa cops seize drugs worth Rs 11.6 crore from K’taka youth

Panaji: Goa police on Saturday seized drugs worth Rs 11.6 crore and arrested a 23-year-old Bengaluru resident for allegedly illegally possessing over 11kg of hydroponic weed (ganja). According to Goa police, it is the biggest single day catch in its history of drug seizures

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Police said the youth brought drugs from Nepal to India and that crime branch has busted an international drug racket. Superintendent of police Rahul Gupta said, “It is the biggest ever drug catch in Goa’s history.”

The accused was arrested from Guirim after a thorough investigation and a month of intelligence collection. The youth was booked under relevant Sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation is underway.

Reacting to drug seizure, chief minister Pramod Sawant said that Goa govt remains committed to a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. Strong action is being taken against drug traffickers and we are ensuring strict enforcement of the NDPS Act, he said.

“We will continue to strengthen intelligence networks, enhance surveillance, and crack down on drug-related crimes to safeguard our youths and society. Kudos to the Goa police, crime branch and all officials involved in this successful operation. Let us all stand together in the fight against drugs and work towards a safer, healthier, and drug-free Goa!” Sawant said

Goa police launched ‘Operation Prahaar’ to destroy the narcotics trade in the state, arresting 18 persons and seizing drugs worth Rs 40 lakh in North Goa in the first two months of 2025. Of the 18 arrested, 10 are non-Goans, seven are Goans and one is a foreigner.

On average, one person was arrested in Goa in connection with a narcotics case every second day in 2024. Goa police seized 274kg of narcotic substances in 2024, worth Rs 10 crore, and arrested 188 persons. Of these 188 persons, 54 were Goans, 111 were non-Goans, and 23 were foreigners.

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