Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Rebukes Police Over Drug Enforcement Failures
In a stern address at the state-level conference to disseminate outcomes from the 2025 Directors General and Inspectors General of Police conference, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed severe dissatisfaction with the state police force's performance in combating the drug trade. The Chief Minister, who also holds the home portfolio, highlighted critical lapses in coordination and intelligence gathering that have hampered anti-narcotics operations.
"Why Should I Provide You Information?" Sawant Questions Police
Chief Minister Sawant directly challenged police officials, asking why they require his personal intervention to obtain actionable intelligence about drug activities. "Why should the chief minister direct you and provide you information to seize the drugs?" he demanded during his speech. "There was coordination between the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) and police stations. Why do we have to tell you to act specifically? We cannot track drug dealers unless we have better coordination between ANC and police stations."
Sawant emphasized that the state government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward drugs, yet enforcement has been inadequate. He pointed out the troubling disconnect between public awareness and police intelligence, noting that ordinary citizens frequently discuss drug availability throughout Goa while law enforcement appears unaware.
Public Knowledge Versus Police Intelligence
"Why are people talking about drugs?" Sawant questioned. "If the common man knows about the availability of drugs, then how come you do not know about it?" This pointed inquiry underscored his frustration with what he perceives as a failure in basic policing responsibilities.
The Chief Minister clarified that combating drug trafficking is not solely the responsibility of specialized units like the ANC. "Is it not your responsibility to crack down on the drug trade? Is it our duty to track and crack down on drug dealers and those who consume drugs, or is it only the duty of ANC? It is the duty of the entire police."
National Context and Enforcement Targets
Sawant reminded attendees of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's ambitious national target to make India drug-free by 2026. To contribute toward this goal, he urged police to expand their focus beyond major drug dealers to include smaller-scale operations. "We should not only focus on drug dealers, but also have to act against those people selling drugs in small places in the state. There should be fear in the minds of drug suppliers, and you should work and act against the drug menace."
Statistical Evidence of Escalating Drug Problem
The conference revealed alarming statistics that illustrate both increased enforcement efforts and a growing drug problem:
- In 2025, Goa Police registered 163 drug-related First Information Reports (FIRs)
- 212 individuals were arrested, including 32 foreign nationals
- Drugs valued at over ₹78 crore were seized during the year
Comparing these figures to 2024 reveals a dramatic escalation:
- In 2024, police registered 162 FIRs and arrested 192 persons
- Narcotics worth approximately ₹9.9 crore were seized that year
- The 2025 seizure value represents a staggering 700% increase over the previous year
These statistics highlight both increased enforcement activity and the expanding scale of the drug trade in Goa, underscoring the urgency of Sawant's call for improved police coordination and effectiveness.
