Goa’s police arrested a man in Guirim with ₹11.67 crore worth of hydroponic weed, marking the largest drug seizure in the state. This operation followed a month-long intelligence effort. In a separate operation in Punjab, two drug smugglers were apprehended with a significant heroin haul linked to possible international trafficking.
Goa has recently witnessed its largest drug seizure when a man was arrested in Guirim with hydroponic weed valued at ₹11.67 crore. The arrest, which occurred during a month-long intelligence operation by the Crime Branch, has garnered significant attention due to the substantial quantity involved, totaling 11.672 kilograms of the illegal substance. Authorities confirmed that the man has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing battle against drug crimes.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement in this exemplary operation, stating, “Congratulations to the Crime Branch Goa Police for Goa’s biggest-ever drug bust!” He emphasized the government’s strict zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related activities and committed to enhancing intelligence networks and surveillance to thwart such illegal actions in the future.
Hydroponics, a modern agricultural technique where plants grow in a nutrient solution without soil, has been misappropriated for producing high-quality cannabis. Following the arrest, authorities are continuing their investigation to ascertain potential connections between the accused and broader drug trafficking networks.
In a different incident, two drug smugglers were apprehended near the Amritsar border by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Based on credible intelligence, an ambush was executed, leading to the capture of one smuggler after a brief pursuit, while a second individual managed to evade arrest.
Officials retrieved a 506-gram packet of suspected heroin, along with other items such as a smartphone and three ATM cards from the detained smuggler. The heroin was notably wrapped in yellow adhesive tape, featuring a steel ring which indicated it may have been aerially dropped by a drone from Pakistan. After interrogating the captured individual, authorities successfully tracked down and arrested the fleeing smuggler shortly thereafter.
The recent drug busts in Goa and Punjab underscore the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking. Goa’s significant seizure of hydroponic weed demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in addressing illegal drug production. Meanwhile, the events in Punjab reveal ongoing challenges posed by cross-border drug smuggling and the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing these threats. Overall, these developments highlight the continuous commitment of authorities to maintain drug-free environments in their jurisdictions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
