Police shouldn't succumb to political pressure in drug-related cases: Goa Tourism Minister

In a bid to make Goa drug-free, Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar has asserted the politicians in the state must assist the police of Goa in drug-related cases, rather than keeping them under bounds.

Speaking to ANI about the same, Azgaonkar said that the police must do everything in their power to keep the issue in check and not succumb to any political pressure.

He said, "Drug mafia should not be spared and their backbone should be broken. Police should work like this. They should not worry about political interference. They should tell the press openly that these politicians are interfering in drug related matters."

"Police should check the political patronage of the shack owner. The shack can belong to a person of any political party," he added.

He also said that all the 40 MLAs in the state must help the police regarding these issues.

Speaking on how the drug mafia affects the tourism in Goa, he said, "Tourists come to Goa to see Goa's beauty. They do not come here for drugs. I refuse to believe that. Some tourists may be coming for drugs, but the police should be alert and arrest them."

Azgaonkar had previously demanded a probe against the police, in whose jurisdiction narcotics trade is carried off.

Earlier, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar directed Goa Police to crackdown on all illegal parties, including the suspected drug-laced dance and music festivals.

With the government once again in the spotlight over suspected drug overdose deaths and illegal parties in the coastal belt, the CM called an emergency meeting with the police brass demanding action against those involved.

"There should be a crackdown on rave parties and all such parties that violate the Indian laws. If any party-house owner is found on the wrong side of the law, he/she should be arrested along with others involved in the criminal offence," said an official, who was a part of the joint meeting with Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander, North Goa SP Chandan Chowdhary, ANC SP and coastal police on Monday.