Goa’s Largest Drug Seizure: Hydroponic Weed Arrest Marks Historic Bust
Goa police arrested a man in Guirim with 11.672 kgs of hydroponic weed worth ₹11.67 crore, marking the state’s largest drug seizure. This follows a month-long intelligence operation. Chief Minister Sawant praised the efforts of law enforcement, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. In a separate operation near Amritsar, two drug smugglers were arrested with heroin linked to cross-border trafficking.
Goa has recorded its largest drug seizure, with police arresting a man in Guirim carrying hydroponic weed valued at ₹11.67 crore. This arrest follows a month-long intelligence operation by the Crime Branch and involved the confiscation of 11.672 kilograms of the illegal substance. The arrest is significant, marking a historic moment for drug enforcement in the state, with charges filed against the suspect under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant commended the Crime Branch for their diligent work, emphasizing the state’s commitment to combatting drug-related crimes. He stated, “Congratulations to the Crime Branch Goa Police for Goa’s biggest-ever drug bust! This is a testament to the relentless efforts of our law enforcement agencies in keeping our state drug-free.”
In addition, he reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, indicating plans to enhance intelligence and surveillance efforts to dismantle illegal drug operations in Goa.
Hydroponics, the cultivation method employed here, involves growing plants in water-based mineral solutions, often manipulated for producing high-grade cannabis. The Crime Branch continues its investigation to explore possible connections between the arrested individual and larger drug trafficking networks.
In a separate incident, two drug smugglers were apprehended near the Amritsar border by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The authorities utilized intelligence to orchestrate an ambush and successfully intercepted two individuals on motorcycles. One suspect was captured after a short chase, while the second fled the scene.
Confiscated from the arrested smuggler was a packet containing 506 grams of suspected heroin wrapped in tape, accompanied by a smartphone and several ATM cards. The heroin packet displayed indications of being dropped from a Pakistani drone. Following interrogation, authorities tracked the fleeing suspect and arrested him later in Avan Basu village. Both smugglers are now in police custody as investigations delve into their ties to Pakistan’s narcotics networks.
The recent drug bust in Goa highlights the critical role of law enforcement in combating narcotics trade. The apprehension of a man with hydroponic weed valued at ₹11.67 crore represents a significant milestone in drug seizures in the region. Additionally, ongoing investigations into separate drug smuggling incidents reveal coordinated efforts to disrupt illegal activities linked to international drug trafficking networks.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
