Panaji, Sep 19 (TNN): With less than a month to go before the state receives its first charter of the 'official' tourist season from Russia, Goa police has begun sensitizing its personnel about the challenges they could face. Coastal police stations, anti-terror squad (ATS) and tourist police have been asked to keep watch for terrorists and criminals.

Last week, the Israeli consulate in Delhi requested director general of police (DGP), Goa, T N Mohan, to give special attention to Israeli tourists. During the crime meeting, Mohan issued instructions to police that they should not only help or guide the tourists, but also keep watch on criminals and terrorists.

"This year, there is more sensitivity to terror threats considering international relations and we are making necessary arrangements for that," Mohan said, adding that there is no specific terror threat to the state. Additional personnel will be deployed to the coastal belt. "Special training sessions are being held for police personnel before they are deployed on duty," Mohan revealed.

He also said that the ATS has been strengthened to counter any possible terror operations by constituting a separate intelligence unit to gather information related to terrorists.

Concerned about the increase of chemical drug sale, Mohan has directed the anti-narcotic cell to intensify raids. He also expressed concern about the increase in consumption of chemical drugs which are easily available to consumers. "This year, we have focused on cracking down on pharma drugs in Goa," Mohan said.

In another development, the ministry of home affairs has written to the state government to maintain a record of Pakistani nationals visiting Goa.