Panaji, February 9: The Goa Crime Branch has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, seizing 31.794 grams of suspected Cocaine under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, including a Nigerian national. The police estimate the street value of the seized drugs to be approximately ₹15,89,700 in the international market.
A case has been registered under the NDPS Act of 1985, specifically sections 21(b), 25 R/W 29, at the Crime Branch police station, with the complaint filed by Police Inspector Mahesh Gadekar. The operation took place on February 6, 2026, between 1:10 PM and 4:10 PM, near a power pole on the road leading to Goa Paradise Colony from Gautam Hotel Road in the Pillarane Mara, Bardez area.
During the operation, 42-year-old Omorigo Friday, a Nigerian citizen, was apprehended. Authorities recovered a white crystal powder from him, which is suspected to be cocaine. In total, 31.794 grams of the drug were seized, along with a Yamaha Fascino scooter (registration number GA-03-AU-6318), which was taken into custody as part of the search and seizure process.
Omorigo Friday was formally arrested at 11:20 AM on February 6, 2026, and is currently in police custody. Further investigation led to the identification of Sudhir son of Gurudas Paleikar, also 42 years old and a resident of House No. 77, Barroswada, Sangolda, North Goa-403511. He was arrested on February 8, 2026, at 6:50 PM and is also in police custody.
According to the Crime Branch, this case may be linked to an international drug trafficking network. There has been a notable increase in the smuggling of cocaine and other narcotics through foreign nationals around tourist spots in Goa, prompting the police to intensify their operations against such activities. Given the quantity of cocaine seized and its market value, this incident is considered one of the largest drug recoveries in recent years in Goa.
The investigation is being led by Police Inspector Mahesh Gadekar of the crime branch. Authorities are conducting a thorough inquiry into the accused’s network, drug supply chain, other suspects, and trafficking routes. SP Crime Rahul Gupta confirmed the operation, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related crimes to make Goa drug-free.