In one of the largest single-day drug seizures by Goa police, 4.3 kilograms of cocaine worth over Rs 43 crore was confiscated at Chicolna in Mormugao taluka. Three suspects—including a woman—were arrested during the operation, with police suspecting the narcotics were trafficked from Thailand for sale in the local market.
Crime Branch SP Rahul Gupta stated, “This is one of the biggest drug busts by Goa police. We received intelligence about a group, including a woman, likely delivering narcotics to customers.” Upon apprehension, the officers found the white powdery substance packed in multiple wafer and coffee packets. A spot test confirmed it was cocaine.
The arrested individuals include 45-year-old Nibu Vincent, a West Bengal native, and the couple Reshma and Manguesh Wadekar, residents of Sada in Mormugao. Vincent was caught red-handed, while the couple was later detained. Police believe the drugs were procured from a “sophisticated drug dealer,” with the woman arranging the purchase and the men handling delivery. Manguesh works at a crematorium in Vasco, and has an ongoing investigation related to an alleged rape case, while Reshma has a case linked to human trafficking.
Authorities are probing the woman’s alleged travel to Thailand, where she is believed to have procured the cocaine. Gupta noted, “The third accused has no prior criminal record but was used as a delivery agent by the couple.” A search of the couple’s residence is underway.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant lauded the police, saying, “Kudos to Goa police and the crime branch for their commendable efforts and swift action in the biggest drug bust in the state.” He added that the arrests at the Crime Branch office in Ribandar followed effective technical surveillance and precise operational planning, showcasing the government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking.
Earlier in March, Goa police seized drugs worth Rs 11.6 crore and arrested a 23-year-old Bengaluru resident for illegally possessing over 11kg of hydroponic weed, busting an international drug racket that smuggled drugs from Nepal.
