20 years rigorous imprisonment to two narco smugglers; landmark sentencing sets legal precedent

The case was expedited and heard on a fast track basis, with the Pairvi cells, established under the guidance of the Police Headquarters, ensuring the timely presence of witnesses and their testimonies.

In a groundbreaking verdict today, the Court of Additional Sessions Judge issued a landmark judgment against two individuals involved in a narcotics smuggling case, sentencing them to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of ₹2.0 lakh for each of the two accused.

The convicted individuals, Syed Ishfaq Shah, son of Ghulam Mohiuddin Shah, and Khursheed Ahmad Gojar, son of Nawab ud din Gojar, both residents of Jabdi Karnah in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, were arrested in connection with FIR No.56/2019 at Police Station Karnah. Their arrest followed the discovery of 15 kilograms of brown sugar, obtained from both accused individuals during their confession in the Karnah area.

Further investigation conclusively established that the duo intended to transport the narcotics consignment from Karnah to Punjab. Additionally, it was proven that both smugglers had procured the narcotics consignment from across the Line of Control (LOC) through Bashir Ahmad, who is presently settled in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and is known to be a cousin of Khursheed Ahmed.

Gavel — (Representational Picture)Rawpixel

Inspector Wasim Ahmad Badoo, the then SHO of Police Station Karnah, led the thorough investigation of this case. The legal battle was effectively fought by Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) Dar Rashid on behalf of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The case was expedited and heard on a fast track basis, with the Pairvi cells, established under the guidance of the Police Headquarters, ensuring the timely presence of witnesses and their testimonies.

This significant judgment underscores the unwavering commitment of the criminal justice system to combat narcotics smuggling and uphold the law. The exemplary teamwork exhibited by the investigative agencies and the legal counsel played a crucial role in bringing these narcotics smugglers to justice.

Drug abuse — Drug users fill their syringes with a mix of brown sugar and Fortwin (addictive drug) before injecting themselves at a roadside in the northeastern Indian city of Siliguri June 26, 2008.Reuters File

This landmark sentencing sets a new tone for rulings in narco crimes, emphasizing the seriousness with which such offenses are treated. It serves as a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message that narcotics smuggling will not be tolerated, and those involved will face severe consequences.