Panaji: Youth from tourist belts who are exposed to the existing drug network are getting into the drug trade, Goa police investigation has revealed. Peer pressure is another equally contributing factor for their entry into drug trade.A total of 256 Goans have been arrested in connection with the alleged narcotic cases. Chief minister Pramod Sawant, who is the home minister, said that economic motive and the lure of quick financial gains have been identified as primary reasons for involvement of youth in narcotic activities.“Peer influence and exposure with existing drug networks in tourist and nightlife areas has forced youths’ entry,” Sawant said.Goa police has strengthened surveillance, intensified intelligence collection, enhanced community policing and coordinated with social welfare and educational institutions for preventive and rehabilitative measures to address the underlying causes, Sawant said.Goa police said that continuous police patrolling is maintained by the staff for collecting intelligence in this regard. Integrated nakabandi has been devised at specific points, and the police officers and men of the districts and units are deployed for checking.“The bars/restaurants and shacks along the coastal area are subjected to surprise checks. Patrolling is maintained through beat staff, PCR vehicles, motorcycles at the places having high footfall of tourists,” the Goa police said.The sleuths have been endeavouring to educate youth, students and the general public regarding the ill-effects of drugs and to keep them away from the addiction and trade.Police said that the various awareness programmes for youth and students are conducted to educate them. After the final disposal of the case, the court passes an order for destruction of drugs. The drugs to be disposed of and the necessary documents related to the case are placed before the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Disposal Committee. The committee verifies the records. The drugs are then placed in an incinerator at GMC Bambolim and Biotic Waste Solutions, Kundaim, with two respectable persons and committee members present.
