PANJIM: In the largest drug seizure in the State’s history, the Crime Branch on Tuesday arrested three individuals in possession of 4.235 kg of cocaine, valued at Rs 43.20 crore. The accused have been identified as Nibu Vincent (45), a native of Kolkata currently residing in Baina, Vasco da Gama, and his associates Reshma Wadekar and her husband Manguesh Wadekar, both residents of Sada, Mormugao.
Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch), Rahul Gupta, said at a press conference that the arrests were made following a raid near the Chicolna Bus Stand in Mormugao, based on a tip-off about an impending drug delivery.
“The cocaine was found concealed in packets of coffee and chocolates. An on-site test confirmed the substance to be cocaine,” Gupta stated. Police are investigating the origin of the consignment and its intended destination.
Initial findings suggest that Reshma Wadekar received the consignment from an unknown individual and was attempting to sell it in Goa. The drugs were hidden in wafer and coffee packets, and are suspected to have been smuggled in from outside the country.
The investigation is being led by PI Laxi G Amonkar under the supervision of DYSP Crime Branch Rajesh Kumar.
SP Gupta noted that so far this year, the Crime Branch has registered eight cases, arrested 12 individuals, and seized 19.23 kg of drugs valued at Rs 55 crore.
https://www.heraldgoa.in/goa/goa/cocaine-worth-43-cr-seized-in-goas-biggest-drug-bust-ever/421600
