New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has secured the conviction of two drug traffickers in connection with the seizure of 1,127 kg of Ganja in Maharashtra, in a major success in its efforts to combat drug trafficking and further the vision of a ‘Drug-Free India’.

The Additional Sessions Judge, Special NDPS Court, Biloli, Nanded, Maharashtra, on September 8, convicted two accused persons, Gokul Narayan Rajput and Sunil Yadav Mahajan, in connection with the seizure made by the NCB Mumbai Zonal Unit.

The case pertains to the interception of a truck bearing registration number MH-26-AD-2165 on November 15, 2021, near Manjram village in Naigaon taluka of Nanded district, Maharashtra. During a search of the vehicle, NCB officers recovered 49 bags containing 1,127 kg of Ganja. The contraband, along with the truck and other articles, was seized in accordance with the law.

Rajput, the driver of the truck, and Mahajan, the co-driver, were arrested in connection with the case. The prosecution established before the court that both accused were in conscious possession of a commercial quantity of Ganja and had failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their possession.

After examining the evidence and material on record, the court held that the prosecution had proved the offence beyond reasonable doubt under Section 20(b)(ii)(C) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The court subsequently convicted both accused and sentenced each of them to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh. In case of default in payment of the fine, each accused will undergo an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment.

The court also ordered the confiscation of the truck and other relevant seized articles in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act, subject to the statutory process.

The conviction underscores the NCB’s commitment to effective investigation and prosecution of drug trafficking cases and its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks, thereby contributing to the vision of a ‘Drug-Free India’.

The NCB has also appealed to citizens to support its fight against drug trafficking. Information related to the sale, trafficking or distribution of narcotic drugs can be shared by calling the MANAS-National Narcotics Helpline toll-free number, 1933. The identity of the informer will be kept confidential.

–IANS

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