Will ban EDM events in Goa if drugs allowed: Minister

Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar on Tuesday said licenses of organisers of EDM festivals in the tourist state will be withdrawn if drugs are found during such events and they will also face action under Anti-Narcotics Law.

“If we find anyone doing drugs we will cancel license of the event immediately. They will be blacklisted and won’t be allowed to hold their events in the state in future,” Parulekar told reporters here. The state would be hosting two major electronic dance music (EDM) festivals, namely ‘Sunburn’ and ‘Supersonic’ ahead of New year eve. The minister said government has also taken security deposit from the organisers and it would be forfeited in case of narcotic substances are found during the festivals.

“Besides, the organiser concerned would be booked under the stringent Anti-Narcotics Law,” he added. 

 Admitting that drugs are happening in the coastal state, Parulekar said the menace could not be controlled due to “inefficiency” of police department.

“I am not saying they (police) have failed. But I am sure they have failed in enforcement,” he added.

Parulekar had caused a flutter last year with his statement that drug menace is the reality in Goa.