Foreign DJs under surveillance for drug peddling: Parrikar

Foreigners, especially those who work as disc jockeys (DJs) in discotheques and parties, are under surveillance for possible involvement in narcotics activities, Goa CM Manohar Parrikar told the assembly Thursday.

"Watch is being maintained on the foreign disc jockeys for involvement in narcotics activities," Parrikar said.

He was replying to a question by BJP legislator Michael Lobo on the steps being taken to check drug use in Goa's beach village and party hub Calangute, 20 kms from here.

Parrikar said that the anti-narcotics cell of the police had arrested a Japanese DJ Yasuji Hinagata for possession of drugs at a popular night club this year.

He also said the police were collecting intelligence and keeping a watch on beach shacks, discos and nightclubs to ensure that drugs and psychotropic substances are not peddled.

"Surveillance is being maintained at shacks, restaurants, discos and popular clubs which are running along the coastal belt, especially at night," the chief minister said.

Vigil will be stepped up during the coming tourist season to control the drug menace, Parrikar said.