Goa, Aug. 25 -- Through the columns of this reputed newspaper, we, the villagers of Siolim-Sodiem, wish to draw your urgent attention to the rampant drug trade in our village-a menace that continues unchecked while political leaders and village elders preferring to turn a blind eye.

Almost every evening, as dusk sets in, a tall masked man of controversial foreign nationality-nicknamed the "Black Devil" by villagers-frequents the quiet lanes of Aframent and Maina Vaddo on a black colour numberless bike. He delivers his consignment to young buyers and disappears within minutes, with cash and drugs exchanged swiftly. Many local youth, and even outsiders, are now runners for this dealer. The cemetery road in Sodiem has apparently turned out ...