CNN-IBN SIT: Anjuna beach remains Goa's drug den

DRUG DEN: Despite the Keeling case investigations, Goa drug trade continues to thrive.

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Keywords: Special Investigation, Drugs

Panaji: Despite the controversial investigations in the Scarlette Keeling murder case in Goa, the drug trade there continues to thrive.

A CNN-IBN Special Investigation finds out that the drug trade in Goa is neither down nor out.

Our decoy, a French lady, went to Roy’s Palace, one of the many shops on Goa’s Anjuna beach, looking for drugs.

Daniel, the shop owner, revealed he does indeed supply drugs.

Daniel: LSD, cocaine…what do you want?

CNN-IBN: Just give me the prices.

Daniel: Eight and five — 800 for Ecstasy and 500 for LSD.

CNN-IBN: And cocaine you said was 3.5?

Later, a CNN-IBN correspondent went undercover posing as a tourist from Mumbai looking for drugs. Keen to hook a buyer, Daniel met him as well at nearby Vagator.

Daniel: What do you want?

CNN-IBN Correspondent: I want some hash and some acid.

Daniel: Paper?

CNN-IBN Correspondent: You have stars?

Daniel: No, I have Om Shiva.

CNN-IBN Correspondent: What is Om Shiva ?

Daniel: Paper.

Om Shiva or LSD, popular in rave parties, is sold on pieces of blotting paper.

CNN-IBN Correspondent: Do you have coke as well ? How much is it for?

Daniel: 2800.

CNN-IBN Correspondent: For one gram?

Daniel: Yes, one gram.

CNN-IBN Correspondent: What about MDMA, ecstasy...?

Daniel: Yes… I have ecstasy and MDMA. I even have crystal MDMA!

CNN-IBN Correspondent: Crystal ?

Daniel: They put it in water and drink.

CNN-IBN Correspondent: How much is that for ?

Daniel: 2500.

Authorities say they are aware of the drug business, and are doing their best to curb it.

“There is no denying the fact that drugs are there. This itself is evident from the fact that the Goan police is conducting raids and seizing drugs,” Goa IGP Kishan Kumar admits.

It’s not just a story of government and police inaction. The worrying fact is that this inaction is allowing the drug trade to grow, get organised and strike deep roots on Goa's coastline.