Goa's fight against narcotics witnessed a paradoxical trend in 2025, with the value of seized drugs skyrocketing by nearly 700% compared to the previous year, even as the total quantity confiscated saw a decline. The coastal state's police force has intensified its crackdown, leading to a significant rise in arrests, revealing a shift towards higher-value, more dangerous substances entering the market.
Staggering Surge in Value Despite Lower Volume
The most striking figure from the annual narcotics report is the monumental jump in the financial worth of drugs intercepted by Goa police. The total value seized in 2025 reached an alarming Rs 78 crore, a dramatic leap from the Rs 10 crore recorded in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 680%. Interestingly, this surge in value came alongside a decrease in the total physical quantity seized. Authorities confiscated 233 kilograms of narcotic substances in 2025, which is less than the 274 kilograms seized in the preceding year.
This inverse relationship between quantity and value points to a critical shift in the drug trade dynamics within the state. It strongly suggests that law enforcement is increasingly intercepting smaller consignments of high-purity, high-cost drugs like cocaine and synthetic substances, as opposed to bulkier, lower-value materials.
Arrests and International Links
The enforcement drive led to a heightened number of arrests throughout the year. Goa police arrested 206 persons in connection with narcotics cases in 2025, translating to roughly one arrest every second day. The demographic breakdown of those arrested reveals a diverse network: 72 were Goans, 102 were from other Indian states, and 32 were foreign nationals.
The international dimension of the drug trade in Goa was underscored by the nationalities of the arrested foreigners. Individuals were apprehended from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Russia, Nepal, Zimbabwe, Japan, Germany, Israel, Sweden, France, Liberia, and Cameroon. In total, 159 narcotics cases were registered until December 25, 2025, with North Goa police station recording the highest number.
Major Busts and Police Strategy
The year was marked by several high-profile seizures that contributed to the staggering total value. In one of the most significant single-day operations, Goa police seized 4.3 kilograms of cocaine worth over Rs 43 crore at Chicolna, Mormugao, in April. Three individuals, including a woman, were arrested. Preliminary investigations indicated the narcotics were smuggled from Thailand with the intent to supply the local Goan market.
Another notable case occurred a week later, with the arrest of a 29-year-old Kerala resident, Mohammad Sameer, in Baga. He was allegedly found in possession of more than 110 grams of high micro-LSD liquid valued at Rs 11 crore. Earlier, in March, police busted an international racket, arresting a 23-year-old Bengaluru resident and seizing over 11 kilograms of hydroponic weed (ganja) worth Rs 11.6 crore, which was reportedly brought from Nepal.
Superintendent of Police (Anti-Narcotics Cell) Sunit Sawant reiterated the department's firm stance. "Goa police have zero tolerance towards drugs," stated Sawant. He outlined a multi-pronged strategy involving random checks on suspects, vigilant monitoring of foreigners out on bail or staying without proper documents, sustained technical surveillance, and public awareness campaigns to encourage community tip-offs.
The data from 2025 paints a clear picture of a more aggressive and targeted anti-narcotics operation in Goa. While the reduced quantity of seizures might suggest a potential deterrent effect, the exponential rise in value highlights the evolving and lucrative nature of the drug trade, pushing authorities to adapt their strategies continually.
