Panaji, Sep 20 (IANS): Constant public references by MLAs and ministers about a police-drug mafia nexus in the state is denting both the morale of the police force and Goa's image, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said.

In a note circulated to MLAs and ministers earlier this week, Parrikar censured MLAs for creating "unwarranted sensationalism" about drug trade in Goa. He also asked MLAs to inform him about leads related to drug trade, instead of going public, assuring them action.

"It has been observed that some of the MLAs are making public statements regarding availability of drugs and nexus between the drug peddlers and some police officials," Parrikar said in his note, which was received by some MLAs on Tuesday.

"Such public statements lead to dampening of morale of police force, unwarranted sensationalism, dent in the image of the state and does not help us resolving the issue as criminals are made alert by such statements," said the note, a copy of which is available with IANS.

In the recent past, legislators from both the ruling and opposition have been complaining about proliferation of drug trade in the state and the nexus of the drug mafia and police officials.

Ruling MLAs from Calangute (Michael Lobo) and Siolim (Vinod Palienkar) constituencies have also criticised the police for not being tough on drug trade.

Parrikar in his note has, however, assured MLAs that he would take prompt and strict action if they pass on information about drug related activity to him.

"Given the sensitive nature of the issue and firm resolution of state government to make Goa a drug-free state, it is requested that such information about drugs or related activities be brought to the notice of the undersigned, so as to jointly fight this menace," Parrikar said.

"I assure you that due cognisance and strict action will be taken on every such issue brought to the notice of the undersigned," he added.