Goa may go Mexico, Columbia way, fears Congress

Already known as a narco-tourism destination, Goa could go Mexico or Columbia way, where "elected" drug lords would call the shots, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Pratapsing Rane said here Monday.

Rane was addressing a press conference at the state Congress party headquarters in Panaji.

Asked if the state was going the way of Mexico and Columbia, where drug cartels rule the roost, Rane said: "It could go".

The question was asked against the backdrop of gang wars between Nigerians and local drug mafia, which spilled out on Goa's roads more than a week ago.

"Because if you see the kind of money they are making, one day they could fight elections and we will be ruled by drug lords," said Rane, a former chief minister whose tenure spanned nearly two decades.

A gang war between Nigerian and native narcotics gangs spilled in the open on Oct 31 resulting in a murder of a Nigerian and was followed by a conflict between the Africans on one side, and locals and police on the other.

The BJP-led coalition government, which has been criticised for being unable to rein in the drug mafia, has ordered a crackdown on Nigerians following the public clash.

Two persons owing allegiance to the local drug mafia have also been arrested for the Nigerian's murder.

Rane said that whether it is a drug mafia involving foreigners or locals, the state crackdown should be severe.

A recent legislative committee report on drug trade has indicted Rane's senior colleague and former home minister Ravi Naik and his son Roy, linking the duo to Goa's drug lords.

The report also identifies state Director General of Police Kishen Kumar as the "kingpin" who protects and shelters the drug mafia.