No bail for Atala as ANC pushes back

Panaji: The additional sessions court on Wednesday rejected the bail plea of Yaniv Benaimalias Atala, an alleged drug dealer who was arrested by the anti-narcotics cell (ANC) with drugs worth Rs 8.7 lakh in his possession last month. After his arrest, Anjuna police had also registered an offence against him for overstaying.
The ANC strongly opposed Atala’s bail plea, citing his long criminal history. The counsel appearing for the ANC told the court that Atala was involved in seven cases — convicted in four, with investigations pending in three.
He was required in custody for interrogation, and if released on bail, there’s a possibility he may leave the country, the counsel said. The ANC also brought before the court that Atala had twice attempted to flee the country. In one attempt, he escaped via Nepal. He was extradited from Peru.
The proceedings and investigation are being monitored by ANC DySP Nerlon Albuquerque and ANC SP Sunita Sawant.