22-Year-Old Arrested with Ganja and Valuables in Goa
Synopsis
A 22-year-old man has been arrested in Quepem, Goa, for allegedly possessing suspected ganja valued at Rs. 30,000. The police also seized cash and valuables amounting to Rs. 1.5 lakh during the operation. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover broader narcotics connections.
Key Takeaways
22-year-old arrested for illegal possession of ganja.
Seized ganja valued at Rs.
Additional recovery of cash and valuables worth Rs.
Charges filed under the NDPS Act .
Ongoing investigations aim to uncover larger drug networks.
Panaji, March 25 (NationPress) A 22-year-old individual was taken into custody in Goa's Quepem for the unlawful possession of suspected ganja valued at approximately Rs. 30,000, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
The Quepem Police have initiated proceedings against the suspect under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
A police team, headed by Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Digamber Bondre from the Quepem Police Station, arrested the individual on Tuesday in the Nirmal Nagar locality of Quepem in South Goa.
Police stated that around 297 grams of a greenish leafy substance, including flowering and fruiting tops believed to be ganja, was seized, all valued at roughly Rs. 30,000.
The detainee, named Zakir Pirzade, is reported to be a local resident of Quepem.
Additionally, during the operation, authorities recovered cash amounting to Rs. 20,000, a mobile phone, and a Fascino scooter, with a total worth of about Rs. 1,50,000, from him.
He has since been presented before a Judicial Magistrate, who has placed him in three days of police custody. Authorities indicated that he is currently undergoing interrogation to determine the source of the drugs as well as any connections to larger networks.
The investigation is ongoing, led by PSI Digamber Bondre under the oversight of PI Prashal Dessai, SDPO Quepem Ashish Shirodkar, and SP South Santosh Dessai.
Earlier in February, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) provisionally attached properties worth approximately Rs 7.17 crore in Goa during a significant money laundering probe associated with international narcotics trafficking.
This operation, carried out by the ED’s Panaji Zonal Office, targeted assets allegedly obtained through the illicit drug trade.
The investigation commenced under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a complaint by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Goa in March 2021.
The case identifies Ugochukwu Solomon Ubabuko, Infinity John (alias David/Valentine Ejezie), and Prasad Prakash Walke as primary suspects under the NDPS Act.
Point of View
The arrest of Zakir Pirzade highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in India. The authorities are diligently working to dismantle networks involved in the narcotics trade. This incident is a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating substance abuse and illegal drug distribution.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the arrest of the 22-year-old in Goa?
The individual was arrested for the illegal possession of approximately 297 grams of ganja, valued at around Rs. 30,000, as part of a police operation.
What other items were recovered during the arrest?
Authorities recovered Rs. 20,000 in cash, a mobile phone, and a Fascino scooter, collectively valued at approximately Rs. 1,50,000.
Under which act has the accused been charged?
The accused has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, focusing on tracing the source of the drugs and identifying any connections to larger narcotics networks.
Have there been previous incidents related to drug trafficking in Goa?
Yes, earlier this year, the Enforcement Directorate attached properties worth Rs 7.17 crore in Goa in connection with a significant money laundering investigation linked to international narcotics trafficking.
