Goa - Police, Charas and Baksheesh

“With the tourist season already picking up and the looming threat from terrorists and organized crime, our task is clearly cut out. We must prevent them from committing their dastardly acts.

It may be remembered that every Citizen is a policeman without uniform and every Policeman is a citizen in uniform. Participation of members of public in police working is very important as it does not only help police but ultimately it helps the public only.

Do not attend dubious parties such as acid parties. They are not authorised by the government and not recommended.” (Director General of the Goa Police)

The chief of police in Goa pays thousands of dollars to be posted here. Why would someone pay to work? Well, believe us, he makes it back and more during the season. In India, like in much of the third world, laws only exist so that the police can make a living extorting those who break them.

In Goa there are fortunes to be made off taking bribes from the restaurants and guesthouses that pay the police not to bust them when freaks arrive to smoke charas. They also collect ‘taxes’ from the local shops and businesses and make big money from the trance parties, each of which require a baksheesh of thousands of dollars to be given permission.

The cops always arrive in groups and try to bust travellers trying to get stoned in peace. They’ll take as much money off you as they can find so don’t be caught carrying around a lot of cash when you’re smoking.

Better still don’t get caught smoking. Lock your doors when you’re about to light a chillum, empty your ash trays regularly and bury your charas supply somewhere outside the house.

If you do get caught stay calm and expect the cops to try and frighten you with threats of jail sentences. Bring out your money slowly and stay as aloof as you can without being disrespectful. Indians respect strength and will take no pity but may be a little unsure of themselves if you adopt a superior attitude.

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