Locals in Arambol have alleged that prostitution and drug trafficking are being reported, but that the crackdown appears to be only cosmetic. Prostitution often becomes a way to fund drug addiction, while drugs are used to cope with the violence, abuse and harsh realities of street-level sex work.
Residents have repeatedly complained about alleged prostitution activities at Arambol beach. They have accused the police of failing to act despite several representations submitted to the police department and the Arambol panchayat demanding strict action. Drug abuse is a complex problem that continues to threaten the social fabric of our society. It is a serious issue that has caught us dangerously off guard. There is a strong link between drug abuse and organised crime. A society where drugs thrive becomes a breeding ground for various crimes and moral decline.
Goa is known as a tourist destination. However, it must not be allowed to turn into a hub for drugs and prostitution. Hazardous drinking and drug use are also linked to a higher risk of HIV, due to poor decision-making, stigma and social marginalisation. This raises an important question: are alcohol, prostitution, drugs and touts responsible for Goa’s declining tourist footfall?
