Panaji, Nov 17 (IANS): The international perception of Goa as a destination for drugs needs to be changed, outgoing Director General of Police Mukesh Kumar Meena said on Wednesday at a seminar organised by the Goa Police for better co-ordination between police, prosecution and the judiciary.

An official statement issued by the Goa Police also said that the police had intensified vigil at the state's borders to crack down on drug trade.

"Goa should not be looked upon as a drug destination, and it shall be the motto of Goa Police to make Goa a drug-free State. The perception about Goa state needs to be changed globally," the statement quoted Meena as saying.

The statement also said that the anti-narcotics police as well as the district police had been "directed to maintain strict vigil and intensify patrolling and checking at state borders, airport and railway stations to ensure that supply of drug is totally stopped and prevented and violators are dealt with heavy hand".

The DGP also said that "four narcotic sniffer dogs are being procured" who will be pressed into service for narcotics detection.

"Goa Police shall print a booklet with instructions to the investigation officers specifying dos and don'ts during the course of investigation of drug cases, which will help the investigating officers minimise errors while investigating drug cases," he also said.

Goa is one of the top beach and nightlife destinations in the country, but it has also come under the spotlight for easy availability of drugs, especially in coastal areas.