Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa Police registered a significant rise in convictions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2025, with official data revealing that 35 cases ended in convictions during the year. Among the major outcomes, a Nigerian national was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, while four foreign nationals were deported following the completion of legal formalities.
Police officials said the foreign nationals, who hailed from Russia, Lebanon, Nigeria and the United Kingdom, were deported after serving sentences or completing court-mandated procedures. Authorities highlighted that firm legal action against drug offenders, particularly foreign nationals, remains a priority to deter narcotics-related crimes in the State.
During 2025, Goa Police registered 163 NDPS cases and seized narcotic substances valued at approximately Rs 78.48 crore. A total of 212 accused were arrested, including 32 foreign nationals. In comparison, 162 NDPS cases were registered in 2024, with seizures worth Rs 9.91 crore and 192 arrests, including 24 foreign nationals.
Police officials attributed the higher conviction rate to sustained investigation efforts, close coordination with State prosecutors and constant monitoring of court proceedings. Of the 37 accused convicted during the year, 32 were Indian nationals and five were foreign nationals. Courts awarded sentences ranging from a few months to a decade of rigorous imprisonment, depending on the quantity and nature of drugs involved.
The Goa Police said surveillance measures have been tightened, intelligence-based operations strengthened and strict monitoring maintained on suspected individuals and networks involved in drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of Goa Police seized drugs worth around Rs 65 lakh from a resident of Mapusa during a raid carried out in the early hours of Thursday. The accused was identified as Afnan Ghori, who was allegedly found in possession of ecstasy powder.
During a search of his residence, police recovered and seized a substantial quantity of narcotics, including ecstasy, ganja and cocaine. Officials said financial investigations have also been initiated to trace money trails linked to the procurement and distribution of the seized drugs.
The raid was conducted under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (ANC) Sunita Sawant and SP Nerlon Albuquerque, police sources said.
