Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Concerned over the growing prevalence of cannabis-related offences, Goa Police have urged the Centre to review the quantity limits that determine stricter punishment under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, arguing that existing provisions are being exploited by drug peddlers.
The demand comes amid a sustained anti-drug drive that saw police arrest 116 suspected peddlers and seize more than 66 kg of narcotic substances worth nearly ₹4 crore between January and June 21 this year.
Senior police officials said ganja continues to account for the overwhelming majority of narcotics recovered in the State, representing more than 90 per cent of total drug seizures during enforcement operations. Authorities believe traffickers are deliberately carrying quantities below the legally defined commercial limits to avoid stringent provisions and secure bail more easily.
At present, possession of 20 kg of ganja and 1 kg of charas is categorised as a commercial quantity under the NDPS Act, attracting tougher legal consequences. Police officers contend that these thresholds no longer reflect ground realities and require reassessment to strengthen deterrence.
Sources said Goa Police have raised the issue through multiple channels, including discussions with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and submissions before a Parliamentary committee that recently visited the State.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have intensified action against drug trafficking networks across Goa. During the first six months of the year, 90 NDPS cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 116 accused persons, including Goans, individuals from other states and foreign nationals.
North Goa accounted for the highest number of cases, while specialised units such as the Anti-Narcotics Cell and Crime Branch also played a significant role in enforcement efforts.
Officials attributed the increased detection rate to a combination of intelligence-based operations, surveillance in vulnerable areas, regular performance reviews and coordination between specialised units. Cyber monitoring has also been strengthened to track drug-related transactions conducted through digital platforms and cryptocurrency channels.
The renewed focus on narcotics enforcement comes ahead of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26. Goa Police are marking the occasion with awareness campaigns, student outreach programmes and community initiatives under the theme **“Nasha Mukt Bharat – Drug-Free India.”**
Police officials maintain that while enforcement remains critical, legal reforms and stronger preventive measures will be equally important in tackling the evolving drug trade and reducing the availability of narcotics in the State.
