German National Arrested in Goa with Drugs Worth Rs.23.95 Lakh
A German national, Sebastian Hesler, was arrested by the Goa Police after a raid at his rented property in North Goa uncovered illegal drugs worth Rs.23.95 lakh. The arrest occurred on Monday night following a week-long surveillance operation conducted by Goa’s Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC). Hesler, who was staying in Goa on a tourist visa since November of the previous year, was found in possession of various drugs, including LSD blot sheets, ketamine powder and liquid, and two kilograms of ganja.
According to Superintendent of Police (ANC) Tikam Singh Verma, the police seized drugs valued at Rs.23.95 lakh during the raid at Hesler’s leased accommodation in Small Vagator village, a popular area in North Goa known for its tourist appeal. The drugs recovered from his possession included LSD blot papers, ketamine powder, ketamine liquid, and the ganja, which were all kept hidden in his rented premises.
The ANC had been closely monitoring Hesler’s activities for a week, following intelligence gathered from an earlier drug bust in the state. The surveillance stemmed from the arrest of Agni Sengupta, a West Bengal native, who had been caught with a commercial quantity of MDMA and cocaine worth Rs.7.5 lakh. The investigation into Sengupta’s case led the ANC to gather crucial information, ultimately pinpointing Hesler as a suspect.
Drugs Seized in North Goa
The raid took place late on Monday evening, with the ANC acting on the intelligence and surveillance they had gathered. They found the German national in possession of the illicit substances, which were stored at his residence in a quiet, tourist-centric area of North Goa.
Authorities have since confirmed that the seized drugs included:
- Two kilograms of ganja
- Ketamine powder and liquid
- LSD blot sheets
The total value of the seized drugs amounts to Rs.23.95 lakh, highlighting the scale of the operation.
Ongoing Investigations and Rising Drug Seizures
This arrest marks a significant success for the Goa Police, who have been ramping up efforts to tackle the growing issue of drug trafficking in the region. The ANC has been closely monitoring such activities, especially in popular tourist destinations like Goa, which have seen a rise in drug-related incidents in recent years.
The investigation into Hesler’s case is ongoing, with the police aiming to understand the full scope of his involvement in the drug trade. While authorities have confirmed that he was on a tourist visa, further inquiries are expected to determine whether Hesler had been operating independently or as part of a larger network.
Goa’s Ongoing Battle with Drug Trafficking
This recent arrest is part of an ongoing effort by Goa’s law enforcement to crack down on the illegal drug trade in the state. The local government has been working closely with various agencies to prevent drug abuse and trafficking, especially in tourist-heavy areas. The ANC’s operations are part of a broader crackdown designed to address the region’s growing drug problems.
Authorities have expressed concern over the influx of drugs, which have been reported to attract not only tourists but also individuals looking to exploit the state’s popularity. The Goa Police remain vigilant, with plans to continue their surveillance and enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and protect both locals and tourists alike.
Conclusion
The arrest of Sebastian Hesler serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating drug trafficking in Goa. With the drugs seized amounting to Rs.23.95 lakh, this operation has dealt a significant blow to those involved in the illegal trade. The ANC’s swift action and continued surveillance efforts underscore the importance of tackling drug-related issues to ensure the safety and security of the state. As investigations unfold, authorities remain committed to ensuring that drug offenders are brought to justice.
