from Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Dec 6: The army soldier arrested in Goa for drug paddling has told the investigating agencies that he procured the contraband from the Army canteen in Jammu and Kashmir where he was posted.

"During the interrogation, hawaldar Vasu Gaonkar has said that he sourced heroin from army's canteen. Someone who comes there for minor works gave him the contraband which he carried to Goa on his annual leave," senior superintendent of police V V Chaudhary said.

Hawaldar Gaonkar attached to 18 Madras regiment was arrested along with Goa police constable Kalidas Shetye for paddling drugs in the state. Anti-Narcotic Cell had trapped Shetye who during the interrogation had revealed name of Gaonkar, who is of Goan origin and posted in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chaudhary said that although Gaonkar has claimed that he sourced the drugs from Army Canteen, the police will verify the truth. "Both are remanded for seven days custody. We have taken the address of 18 Madras Regiment who would be informed about the arrest of the soldier," the SSP said.

With tourist season entering its crucial period, the state's anti narcotics cell has intensified their raids on the coastal belt. The police were shocked on Thursday evening when their own constable walked into the trap.