In a significant crackdown on interstate drug trafficking, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of Goa Police arrested Om Verlekar, a 20-year-old resident of Mumbai, for allegedly possessing 150 grams of high-grade hydroponic weed valued at Rs15 lakh.
According to DySP Nerlon Albuquerque, Verlekar was apprehended near the interstate bus stand in Mapusa on Sunday evening. The arrest followed a two-day surveillance operation involving technical tracking and human intelligence.
“Verlekar arrived in Goa on Sunday afternoon, intending to distribute the hydroponic ganja across the state. However, our team intercepted him before he could reach his customers,” DySP Albuquerque said.
Initial interrogation revealed that Verlekar had been regularly sourcing hydroponic marijuana from Mumbai and transporting it to Goa for distribution. The operation is part of a broader investigation into an interstate drug supply network, officials said.
The seized contraband, hydroponically grown cannabis, is known for its high potency and is cultivated using advanced water-based systems.
Verlekar has been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigation is ongoing to trace the larger network involved.
