Panaji: In one of the biggest drug seizures in Goa, the Crime Branch arrested three individuals and seized 4.325 kg of suspected cocaine worth Rs 43.2 crore. The narcotics were cunningly concealed in chocolate, wafer, and coffee packets — suspected to have been smuggled into the country.
Acting on specific intelligence, a team led by PI Laxi G. Amonkar, along with PI Prashal Dessai and other staff, raided an area near the Chicolna bus stand in Mormugao and arrested the prime accused, Nibu Vincent (45), a resident of Baina, Vasco, originally from Kolkata. The cocaine and a Vivo mobile phone were seized from his possession.
Based on his interrogation and with approval from the JMFC, Vasco, the Crime Branch arrested two of his associates — Reshma Wadekar and Manguesh Wadekar, both residents of Sada, Mormugao — at around 1:50 am on April 15, 2025. Reshma had reportedly received the consignment and was planning its sale in Goa.
The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of DYSP Crime Branch-1 Rajesh Kumar and SP Crime Rahul Gupta, IPS, to uncover further links in the smuggling network.
Crime Branch Narcotics Action – 2025 So Far:
• Total Cases Registered: 08
• Total Accused Arrested: 12
• Total Drugs Seized: 19.2368 kg
• Estimated Value: Rs 55.27 crore
Raiding Team:
PI Laxi G. Amonkar, PI Prashal Dessai, PSI Pragati Mallik, PC Navin P. Palyenkar, PC Samiulla Makandar, PC Sujay Naik, PC Sankalp Naik, PC Rahul P. Naik, LPC Roshni Shirodkar, and HG Nitam Khot.
