Will make Goa drugs free, says minister

After suggesting last week that electronic dance music festivals could not be organised "without alcohol and drugs", Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar now says his government has a special "New Year resolution".

"We resolve to make Goa free of drugs and prostitution from Jan 1," Parulekar told a press conference Wednesday.

Parulekar, however, refused to say by when the state would be rid of the menace of drugs and prostitution.

Asked about drugs being seized at the venue of the two mega electronic dance-music festivals, which were held in coastal Goa last week, Parulekar said: "What can anyone do about someone selling drugs near the music festival?"

The minister also said there was not enough police force to rein in the drug menace at present.

"Goa government has zero tolerance for drugs and rave parties. Goa does not need drugs and flesh trade in order to attract tourists," Parulekar also said.

He said the state will henceforth strive hard to promote Goa as a "safe and clean family tourism destination".