MAPUSA/PANAJI: Notorious Israeli drug peddler, Yaniv Benahim alias Atala has been released on conditional bail by the Mapusa NDPS court.

The court has released him on bail on a payment of Rs 50,000 besides other conditions. The conditions asked him not to leave the state, not to interfere with investigations and cooperate with investigating officers.

A few days back the High Court had released the suspended PI, Mr Ashish Shirodkar on bail and later the Mapusa NDPS court released on bail the other six policemen involved in the drug peddler-cops nexus case.

The public prosecutor, Mr Shiral Monteiro had argued the case. The prosecution had pointed out to the court that the six policemen, who are also implicated in the case, were involved in supplying drugs from the go-down to Atala.

Reacting to the conditional bail given to Atala, the superintendent of police, special branch, Mr Atmaram Deshpande told the media persons in Panaji that the police would decide on future course of action only after getting all details on papers.

Mr Deshpande informed that they have not got details right now, and observed that the court must have taken all the precautionary measures so that the notorious drug peddler would not skip further investigation.

He said it is too early to call the release of Atala is a setback or not as the investigation is still on.

On Ms Lucky Farmhouse, who allegedly uploaded video clips on the nexus between Atala and the ANC police, the SP said she might visit Goa in August.