Panaji: In the first four months of 2026, more than five people were arrested every week in Goa in narcotics-related cases, with drug seizures valued at Rs 3.5 crore.Goa police arrested 90 persons between Jan and April in different narcotic cases registered across the state, including 50 non-Goans, 29 Goans and 11 foreigners.The highest number of cases were registered in North Goa — 32 cases, followed by South Goa — 19 cases and anti-narcotic cell (ANC) — nine cases.Goa police arrested foreign nationals of seven countries, including Nigeria, US, Nepal, Israel, French, Guinea and Greece, for illegal possession of narcotic substances.Goa police have prepared a list of drug peddlers operating around schools and colleges and decided to arrest them. They also hold regular meetings to review the action against drug dealers and peddlers in the state.MLAs raised the issue of drugs in villages and even educational institutions in the state. State govt has assured the MLAs of action against the drug peddlers.With nearly a 700% increase in the value of drug seizures in 2025 compared to 2024, Goa police focus shifted to hitting the core of the narcotics network operating in the state and arresting kingpins, big dealers and distributors to wipe out drug abuse from the state. Goa police will act against those involved in the narcotics trade through the dark web, social media, cryptocurrency and by misusing information technology.Goa police decided to coordinate closely with other stakeholders, agencies and departments, among others, at both state and central levels to act against the drug menace.Goa police will conduct drug-related data analysis and make recommendations to govt for necessary policy changes, and take time-bound action to establish coordination with forensic science laboratories to provide test results at the earliest in cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.Goa police will develop actionable intelligence and act on such intelligence to enforce the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and all related criminal and civil laws, to sever drug supply lines by taking stringent action against drug manufacturers, suppliers, dealers and peddlers, a senior police officer said.The task force committee will coordinate with various central agencies for effective enforcement of the prevention of illicit traffic of drugs.
