Goa, June 23 -- On 16 June, Pernem Police arrested 28-year-old Shivanand Gawade from Parcem, who was found with 732 grams of ganja worth Rs.70,000 concealed in his scooter. Just two days later, Bicholim Police apprehended 19-year-old Harshadeep Ghanekar from Mayem with 29 grams of ganja valued at Rs.2,900. Both arrests were part of a special operation by the police targeting drug peddling near schools and colleges.

While the arrests have been welcomed, social activists and concerned citizens argue that such actions are merely cosmetic and do little to dismantle the deeper, organised drug networks operating across the state.

During a drug-awareness event on 22 June, the Superintendent of Police, Anti-Narcotics Cell, acknowledged the scal...