Panaji: The Goa police have undertaken a major restructuring of the anti-narcotic cell (ANC) by transferring multiple personnel and inducting fresh staff to bolster intelligence-gathering and intensify operations against drug dealers and peddlers. Officers who had completed more than four years in the ANC were moved out, affecting approximately 45 percent of the unit. In total, 27 personnel were transferred as part of this revamp.
Reason for Restructuring
A senior police officer explained that some ANC personnel involved in intelligence gathering had begun to consider themselves irreplaceable within the cell. “We have realised that some police personnel wanted the ANC to function according to them, and it was not acceptable. As they were in the ANC for many years, they developed sources and considered themselves non-replaceable,” the officer said. The move aims to break such entrenched mindsets and inject fresh energy into the unit.
New Staff and Operations
The newly inducted personnel have already started gathering intelligence, and the police expect to carry out more anti-narcotic operations in the coming months. “The fresh team is actively developing new leads and will ensure stricter enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985,” the officer added.
Recent Arrests and Seizures
In the first four months of 2026, Goa police arrested more than five persons every week in narcotics-related cases, with drug seizures valued at Rs 3.5 crore. Between January and April, police arrested 90 individuals in narcotics cases registered across the state. This includes 50 non-Goans, 29 Goans, and 11 foreign nationals. North Goa recorded the highest number of cases at 32, followed by South Goa with 19 cases, while the ANC registered nine cases.
Foreign Nationals Arrested
Police also arrested foreign nationals from seven countries – Nigeria, the United States, Nepal, Israel, France, Guinea, and Greece – for illegal possession of narcotic substances.
Focus on Schools and Colleges
Goa police have prepared a list of drug peddlers operating near schools and colleges and decided to intensify action against them. Senior officers are holding regular review meetings to monitor action against drug dealers and peddlers across the state.
“Goa police will develop actionable intelligence and act on such intelligence to enforce the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and related criminal and civil laws, to sever drug supply lines by taking stringent action against drug manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and peddlers,” a senior police officer stated.
Coordination with Central Agencies
The task force committee will also coordinate with various central agencies for more effective enforcement against illicit drug trafficking. This multi-agency approach aims to dismantle drug networks operating in the state.
