PANAJI
The arrest of a Russian DJ with Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) also called ‘liquid ecstasy’ -- the first such seizure in Goa -- has sparked concerns it might have been locally produced for party circuits.
The woman DJ was caught with 337 gms of GHB, 33.16 grams of ganja and Rs 16.88 lakh in cash during the raid by a team of Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) at her rented residence in Keri-Pernem.
Sources revealed to The Goan that they suspect the drugs may have been manufactured locally as the ecstasy was found in a crude form.
However, Superintendent of Police (ANC) Tikam Singh Verma said investigations are ongoing to trace the exact source.
“We are still working on the source. This form of drug, being colourless and odourless, is easily smuggled, especially since small amounts of liquid are allowed on flights. It’s a possibility but we are examining all angles,” Verma told The Goan, when contacted.
Sources further revealed that the liquid ecstasy was stored in a 500 ml plastic water bottle, suggesting possible local manufacture. “We suspect that raw materials were smuggled in Goa and then processed here. The packaging indicates it may have been prepared in Goa,” the source added.
The ANC is also investigating whether the DJ was acting as a carrier while probing other persons involved, if any, including those who may have transported raw materials and those linked to the manufacturing location.
Last month, the ANC seized dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a hallucinogenic drug, for the first time in Goa. Initial investigations indicated that the DMT may have been intended for Ayahuasca ceremonies, spiritual gatherings reportedly taking place in parts of Goa’s interior. Sources confirmed that the DMT was concealed in ‘tea bags’ form to evade detection.
With these recent seizures being the first time in Goa, the ANC stated such drugs might have been circulating in Goa for some time and only now surfacing owing to crackdowns on both traditional and party drugs.
“There might have been previous instances, but these are the first we have intercepted. We are training our staff to better identify such drugs,” Verma added.
GHB is often misused as a date rape drug while DMT is often found at Ayahuasca ceremonies practiced in some areas of Goa’s hinterland. It is generally used for these spiritual purposes, where plant herbs are crushed and mixed with the ‘dry leaves.’
