Saligao police arrested a 49-year-old Mumbai resident during a narcotics raid at Marra, Pilerne, in Bardez taluka, Goa.[1][2] Police identified him as Danny Frank Braganza, 49, a resident of Andheri East, Mumbai.[3][2] A team led by police sub-inspector Akshay Fatarpekar acted on specific information, accompanied by two panch witnesses, local residents who witness police searches.[3] Braganza was placed under arrest at 9.50pm after police said they observed the Supreme Court’s prescribed guidelines.[3]

Police allegedly found a greenish leafy substance with fruiting and flowering tops, suspected to be ganja.[1] A case was registered under the NDPS Act, India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.[4][2] Further investigation is in progress with Fatarpekar at Saligao police station.[1]

The Mapusa court granted Braganza bail in the ganja possession case.[2] Defence counsel Advocate Salil Lawande said the seized quantity was within the legally defined small-quantity limit of one kilogram.[2] Lawande argued that with the seizure completed and the evidence in police custody, continued detention was no longer necessary.[2] The prosecution objected, citing his residence outside Goa and apprehending he could evade investigation, influence witnesses or interfere with identifying the drug source.[2] The court observed that the restrictive bail provisions under Section 37 of the NDPS Act were not attracted in a small-quantity case.[2] It also noted he was in judicial custody and was not required for further custodial questioning.[2] The court allowed the bail application, holding prosecution concerns could be addressed through safeguards.[2] He must execute a personal bond of ₹15,000 and furnish one local surety for the same amount.[2] He must attend Saligao Police Station for six consecutive days, assist the investigation and obtain court permission before travelling outside Goa or India.[2]