In a shocking discovery, alert citizens in the capital city reportedly found a Cannabis (Ganja) plant growing among other ornamental plants alongside a footpath. The plant has since been uprooted and taken away by the Anti-Narcotic Cell (ANC) and sent for further analysis. In the past there have been several instances when foreigners were caught growing cannabis in rented premises. Last year a foreign national was arrested for setting up a nursery facility at Pernem for growing narcotic substances. During interrogation, he revealed that he was using certain international websites to import these seeds to India and then grow the plants at the nursery. While Goa has always had its fair share of problems with drugs, particularly in the coastal belt, the state is now grappling with a new trend of cannabis cultivation. Several foreigners, especially from Russia have been arrested for growing marijuana in a controlled climate within villas and large apartments. Narcotics business is very lucrative and has a ready market. This could even attract unemployed Goan youth seeking to make a quick buck. This menace should be nipped in the bud.
