Panaji, March 8 (IANS) The Goa unit of the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) Monday demanded a probe by a central agency into the narcotics trade in Goa.

The party also pressed for a criminal case against five policemen suspended for their suspected links with the drug mafia.

Speaking to reporters here, state BJP president Laxmikant Parsenkar said not only Goa police officials but some legislators too were involved in narcotics trade, which had given the issue a 'very, very serious' face.

'First the home minister says there are no drugs in Goa. Then drug dealers name police officers as their friends. The Goa police are themselves involved in the drug trade. We want a central agency to probe the entire drug scenario in Goa,' Parsenkar said, alleging that several ministers as well as their kin were involved.

On Friday, Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat announced the suspension of five policemen, including inspector Ashish Shirodkar, for alleged links with the narcotics mafia.

An Israeli drug peddler Atala had alleged that Shirodkar and the other policemen were on his payroll. A footage secretly filmed by the Israeli has created a sensation.

Speaking to IANS, BJP leader and former chief minister Manohar Parrikar said criminal cases should be filed against the suspended police personnel.

'It's critminal to have links with the narcotics mafia. The policemen should be booked, arrested and subjected to custodial interrogation,' he added.