Porvorim, Jul 26 (TOI): Leader of opposition in state assembly, Pratapsingh Rane, on Monday warned the state government that if the burgeoning drug menace in Goa is not contained at the earliest, the state may soon become akin to Punjab whose drug trouble had inspired the recent movie 'Udta Punjab'.
He advocated death penalty for drug peddlers and others involved in the drug trade. "Drugs kill people. I don't know whether they will accept my suggestions, but drugs peddlers and dealers should be meted the death penalty as is the case in Singapore as they destroy lives, spoil entire generations."
"The law and order situation leaves much to be desired. I would like to caution the house that they should watch the Hindi movie 'Udta Punjab', for I'm afraid the situation here may soon inspire an Udta Goa," he said. "We blame foreign nationals for getting drugs into the state, but we should remember that the consumers are local youth," he added.
Rane, who spoke for nearly 45 minutes on various issues, also touched upon the drug menace spreading to the hinterland. "I had raised the same issue in the house in 2012 and then CM Manohar Parrikar had sent the SP of anti narcotic cell to carry out raids in the engineering college and they had found something there," Rane said.
Referring to a recent incident in Poriem, Rane constituency, where a person in possession of narcotics was arrested; he said drugs peddlers often operate near schools and colleges. He urged CM Laxmikant Parsekar, who also holds the education portfolio, parents and teachers to keep vigil near educational institutions. "We have to deport foreigners involved in drug trade. Many people come here on student visas. If any of them are caught dealing in drugs, they should promptly be sent back," Rane said.
"This is the biggest menace to hit Goa and is increasing by leaps and bounds. I request the home minister to see that proper patrolling and intelligence units are set up near schools and colleges," he added.
He claimed some people are growing opium and marijuana in banana plantations in the neighbouring parts of the state.