Panaji: In a major breakthrough in Goa’s fight against narcotics, a man has been arrested for possession of hydroponic weed worth Rs 11.67 crore. The police claim that this is the largest drug seizure in the state’s history. According to the Crime Branch spokesperson, the accused was apprehended on Saturday from Gurim village, located between Panaji and Mapusa.
Drug Seizure Valued at Over Rs 11 Crore
The spokesperson stated, “We have seized 11.672 kilograms of hydroponic weed from the accused, with an estimated market value of Rs 11.67 crore. This is the biggest drug bust in Goa’s history. The accused has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.”
Chief Minister Praises Law Enforcement
Commending the police for their efforts, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday to congratulate the Crime Branch for its remarkable success in tackling drug-related crimes.
“Congratulations to Goa Police’s Crime Branch for executing the biggest drug bust in the state’s history!” he wrote.
Reaffirming Zero-Tolerance Policy
The Chief Minister further emphasized, “In a significant breakthrough, the Crime Branch has successfully dismantled a drug racket, leading to the arrest of one individual and the seizure of 11.672 kilograms of hydroponic weed valued at Rs 11.67 crore. This achievement reflects the relentless efforts of our law enforcement agencies to keep our state drug-free.”
Reiterating the Goa government’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related crimes, CM Sawant assured that efforts to curb such illegal activities will be intensified. He highlighted that intelligence networks would be strengthened, and surveillance measures would be enhanced to safeguard the youth and society from the dangers of narcotics.
What is Hydroponic Weed?
Hydroponics is a specialized method of cultivation that involves growing plants in an artificial environment using a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil. This technique is commonly used for controlled indoor farming and has gained popularity in illegal cannabis cultivation due to its ability to yield high-quality produce in a relatively short time. This latest seizure underscores the need for continued vigilance and stringent measures against drug trafficking in Goa.
