Drug offenders top lookout list in Goa

Drug offenders top lookout list in Goa
Preetu Nair, TNN

PANAJI: There have been 254 “look out circulars” issued between 2000 and 2008 by the Goa police against foreigners wanted for various offences in
the state. Of these, 101 foreigners were involved in offences related to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS).

Information obtained by TOI under the Right to Information Act reveals that a majority of the LOCs were issued against Nepalis (51), followed by 41 against Britishers, 24 against Nigerians, 21 against Israelis and six against Russians. Some Japanese, French, German, Italian and Spanish nationals also figure in the list.

A majority of the LOCs for offences under the NDPS were against Nepali citizens (40), followed by 11 against Israelis, nine against Nigerians, six against Italians and five against Britishers. LOCs were issued against 17 foreigners wanted for several offences under the Foreigner’s Act, especially overstaying, and 16 LOCs for violations of the Madhya Pradesh Music and Noise Pollution Act.

After the Goa Children’s Act came into force in 2003, LOCs were issued against seven foreigners for offences under this Act, which includes sexual abuse. LOCs were also issued against foreigners involved in forgery, kidnapping, trespass, creating nuisance under the influence of alcohol, threatening and even for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Police sources said that LOCs, valid for a year, are issued either to trace absconding criminals or to prevent and monitor the entry or exit of persons who may be wanted by law enforcement authorities. “Most of the time we extend the validity beyond one year, especially if the person is not on bail and there is a case pending in court,” said sources, adding that though a majority of LOCs were issued against Nepalis, it was difficult to keep a check on their entry into and exit from the country as no passport or visa is needed to travel between the two countries.

26 Feb 2009,The Times of India, Goa edition