Goa, April 30 -- In a coordinated operation, the Quepem Mamlatdar, Mines Department, and Curchorem Police uncovered a large-scale illegal sand extraction racket at Ocean Dew Fisheries Pvt. Ltd., a facility registered as a fisheries operation in Xelvona.

During the raid, authorities found no evidence of any fish-related activity. Instead, they discovered a full-fledged sand extraction setup using industrial suction pumps, raising serious questions about the company's operations. Sources indicate that the illegal activity may have been running for an extended period under the cover of a legitimate fisheries business.

Upon arrival, officials faced resistance from on-site labourers, who claimed they were locked inside the premises and that ...