Nigerians majorly account for drug crime arrests: Goa CM

Panaji, July 26 (IANS) Nigerian nationals accounted for more than half of the foreigners arrested in drug-related crimes in Goa over the last four years, revealed state home statistics tabled in the legislative assembly on Tuesday.

The statistics tabled by Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, who also holds the Home Ministry, said 263 persons were arrested in connection with 232 First Information Reports (FIRs) registered under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in Goa since 2012.

Of those arrested, 98 were foreign nationals, including 59 Nigerians, 13 Nepalis, three Israelis, three Russians and three Britons, the statistics showed.

During the 232 police raids, hashish was seized in 87 raids, marijuana in 78 and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), a popular party drug, in 52 raids.

Goa, which is one of the top beach tourism destinations in India, is also known for narco-tourism.

On Monday, Leader of Opposition Pratapsing Rane demanded a death penalty for drug peddlers operating in the state.