Panaji, Dec 16 (IANS): Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar Tuesday conceded to the state's reputation as a narco-tourism destination, saying there is a section of tourists who come to Goa only to indulge in drugs.
Parsekar was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a media related function in Panaji.
"I admit there is drug trade in Goa. There is a section of tourists who come to Goa only for drugs," Parsekar said.
The chief minister said so on being asked about the prevalence of narcotics in Goa, one of the best known beach tourism destinations in the country.
The chief minister also said that this particular section of tourists, who were attracted by prospects of availing cheap narcotics, do not contribute much to tourism and need to be stopped.
Goa attracts three million tourists annually, of whom half a million are foreign nationals.