Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: In a stark reminder of Goa’s ongoing battle with narcotics, the State government has reported a total of 250 drug-related cases registered under the NDPS Act between January 2024 and June 2025, with 162 cases in 2024 and 88 cases already registered in the first half of 2025.
This was revealed by Chief Minister and Home Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in response to Unstarred LAQ No. 114 tabled by MLA Viresh Borkar in the Legislative Assembly. While specific figures on drug seizures, estimated value, and arrests were detailed in an annexure, the reply highlighted the growing involvement of interstate syndicates and the need for coordinated enforcement.
Referring to the high-profile Rs. 2 crore cash seizure from a flat in Goa, the CM confirmed that Goa’s Crime Branch is assisting the Telangana Anti-Narcotic Bureau and Rachakonda Police in the investigation of a major laundering and narcotics case under multiple sections of the NDPS Act. The case is believed to be linked to an interstate drug cartel.
On synthetic drugs like LSD, MDMA, ketamine, cocaine, and hydroponic cannabis, the reply stated that detailed lab-confirmed data has been provided in Annexure A, without disclosing specifics in the main statement.
In terms of prevention, the Goa Police has intensified awareness campaigns, especially targeting rural youth who are increasingly being drawn into drug abuse. The department is organizing rallies, competitions, lectures, pamphlet distribution, and interactive sessions in schools and colleges. Public awareness is also promoted during police-community meetings.
Further, District-level NCORD (Narco Coordination) Committees, chaired by District Magistrates and coordinated by Superintendents of Police, are holding regular meetings to ensure multi-departmental collaboration in tackling the drug menace.
However, the State has so far not unearthed any international drug racket involving foreign nationals, including the case of Swedish nationals previously arrested for possession of LSD and ketamine. Investigations have not established any links to global trafficking networks.
The government maintains that efforts are ongoing to tighten monitoring, boost inter-agency coordination, and root out drug abuse from both urban and interior regions of the State.
