NT Reporter
Panaji
No case of a drug-related death or overdose has been reported in the state in the past three years, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Monday.
He said that during this period, 571 persons were arrested in drug cases, out of which 13 were repeat offenders.
Sawant denied any increase in the availability or rampant sale of narcotic drugs across the state.
“However, due to greater inter-agency coordination and effective intelligence gathering, the seizure of drugs has increased,” Sawant said in a written reply to a question tabled by Curchorem MLA Nilesh Cabral.
Regarding allegations linking recent student deaths at the BITS Pilani K K Birla Goa Campus, Sawant said, “The enquiry into the deaths is presently in progress.”
In order to dismantle the organised drug supply network operating in tourist belts, nightlife zones and around educational institutions, the Chief Minister listed a number of measures such as surprise checks in nightlife zones, beach shacks and clubs.
“Surveillance and checking operations around educational institutions to curb peddling among students are being carried out, and habitual offenders and repeat peddlers are under surveillance,” he said.
He also said that apart from continuous patrolling, police are focusing on creating awareness about the drug menace.
“Goa Police has strengthened human intelligence networks in coastal and nightlife zones. Technical surveillance, including CDR analysis, cyber monitoring and digital evidence tracking, is also maintained,” said the Chief Minister.
Regarding fixing accountability on police officials in jurisdictions where repeated drug incidents are reported, Sawant said, “The government maintains strict supervisory and accountability mechanisms at all levels of policing. In cases where repeated drug-related incidents are reported from any particular jurisdiction, the matter is reviewed at supervisory levels.”
“Further, regular review meetings, performance monitoring, intelligence assessment and surprise checks are conducted to ensure effective enforcement of the NDPS Act,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that officers are also issued specific directions to intensify surveillance and preventive measures in vulnerable areas.
“The government remains committed to ensuring accountability, strengthening enforcement and taking firm action wherever warranted,” Sawant said.
