Calangute: Reacting to the recent outburst of Siolim MLA Vinod Paliencar about the drug menace and rave parties in the coastal belt, waste management minister Michael Lobo said, mere “shouting” will not work. “The MLA needs to work hard and in close coordination with the government and police if he “seriously” wants to put an end to the drug problem,” said Lobo. “He (Paliencar) must meet chief minister Pramod Sawant and put in a request to have a good officer posted at the police station in his constituency. I’m sure, the CM will not reject his request. Holding a press conference to complain about drugs will not serve the purpose. He should stop shouting and start acting,” said Lobo. Paliencar, a former minister in the BJP-led government, had spoken about drug problem vociferously a little after his party (Goa Forward Party) joined the BJP-led government in March 2017. Shortly after, he went silent on the issue, until GFP parted ways with BJP. Lobo who represents Calangute, has also been vocal about the drug issues in the costal belt, and even raised the issue several times on the floor of the House. “We have a very good police officer Nolasco Raposo at Calangute police station. Since his posting, several raids have been conducted and drugs seized. In fact, Calangute police station has conducted more raids than anti-narcotic cell during the past few months,” the minister said. Paliencar, he said, will also have to garner support of panch members and sarpanchas in his constituency. “He must keep his eyes and ears open for information, and approach police with specific information about illicit activities,” Lobo said.
