First-ever DMT seizure in State; one held
PANAJI
The Anti Narcotics Cell’s sixth of the month has led to the seizure of dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic and psychedelic drug, first such incident in Goa. Preliminary investigations indicate that this DMT is used for the Ayahuasca ceremony, a spiritual retreat that incidentally takes place in parts of Goa’s hinterland.
Speaking at a press conference at police headquarters on Wednesday, SP ANC Tikam Singh Verma stated that these drugs are often associated with ‘spiritual’ Ayahuasca ceremonies. The raid at Anjuna saw the arrest of a South Indian, whose identity has been kept under wraps. Besides DMT, the peddler was also found in possession of charas and cocaine, all worth Rs 2.5 lakh.
Verma raised concerns about the risks as DMT is often found at these ceremonies occurring in clandestine settings in the interiors of the State. “It is a potent drug. Even one gram can affect up to 20 people. These substances are usually shipped from South America. Our investigation found that a spiritual ceremony called Ayahuasca is practiced in some areas of Goa’s hinterland. It is generally used for these spiritual purposes, where plant herbs are crushed and mixed with DMT. Those attending this ceremony consume it orally during night time gatherings in secluded locations,” he revealed.
The SP urged the people to report any information regarding these activities and avoid participating in such ceremonies.
“While it is legal in some countries, the presence of DMT makes Ayahuasca ceremony illegal here. These gatherings are mostly held away from residential areas, often in dimly lit environments with minimal noise. It is easy for outsiders to remain unaware that such events are occurring,” he added. The SP further clarified that no spiritual function was taking place at the time of the seizure.
This raid is ANC’s sixth raid this month with a cumulative drug seizure amounting to Rs 1.3 crore. On Monday night, the ANC busted one of the largest operations of the year by confiscating a massive haul of drugs including 1,825 LSD blotters valued at Rs 1.1 crore approx. The LSD blotters alone were valued at Rs 91 lakh.
