GCCI pleads for a drive to check drug menace in Goa

Panaji, Mar 18 (UNI) The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) today pleaded for ''a strong and visible police action, together with joint efforts of the customs'' to curb the drug trade in the tourist state.

''Action needs to be taken in a sustained manner and not on a sporadic basis. The Chamber hopes that under the able guidance of Home Minister Ravi Naik, the police department and the commissioner of customs would root out this menace before it totally destroys our youth, heritage and culture,'' the GCCI said.

Welcoming the statement of the Home Minister that the Goa police were doing their best to curb drug traffic in the state, the GCCI said it had time and again voiced its concern on two issues - the fatalities on the road and the drug menace - adversely affecting the quality of life for Goans.

The Chamber said it had, on earlier occasions, written to the Government to deal with the offenders with an iron hand. In this context, the statement of the Home Minister that he would ensure action to curb the drug menace was a step in the right direction, it added.

UNI BM NM SW KN1821