Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar today said that some foreigners were intentionally getting nabbed under narcotics cases in order to stay back in Goa.

“I doubt there are some foreigners who want to stay back in Goa, get purposely caught under narcotics cases dealing in small quantities. When they are out on bail and case is heard, they are allowed to stay in the state till it is disposed,” Parsekar said while responding to a question tabled in the Legislative Assembly by BJP MLA, Glenn Ticlo.

He pointed out that when an accused is arrested under narcotics cases, he is out on bail, and then it takes time for the police to file chargesheet as substance recovered needs to be analysed forensically.

Parsekar admitted that Goa does not have its own forensic laboratory, due to which it takes time to get analysis reports.

He said the government is in the process of setting up detention centre for such foreigners, who can be housed there pending trial against them, rather than allowing to roam freely in the state.

“Once they are in detention centre, police can also keep vigil on their activities,” The chief minister said.

Parsekar rued that setting up of the detention centre is taking time in absence of finalisation of a proper building for the same.

“Some villagers are opposing detention centre in their villages thinking that these foreigners would be let loose.

We have to make it clear that the foreigners will be inside the facility,” he added.