The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has secured the conviction of three persons in an interstate charas trafficking case involving the seizure of 16.5 kg of the contraband near the Himachal Pradesh-Chandigarh border, officials said on Saturday.
The case dates back to December 18, 2018, when an NCB team from its Chandigarh Zonal Unit intercepted a Hyundai Verna near Khuda Lahora Bridge in Chandigarh and recovered 16.5 kg of charas in connection with NCB Crime No. 49/2018.
Two accused, Joginder Singh, a resident of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh, and Anil Kumar, from Mandi district, were arrested from the spot.
During the investigation, the NCB uncovered the involvement of a third accused, Raj Kumar alias Raju, also from Kullu. According to the agency, Raj Kumar was part of a network allegedly supplying charas to major cities including Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru and Chennai.
The seized consignment was allegedly destined for Mumbai for further distribution to other locations.
Raj Kumar was arrested on December 20, 2018. During a search of his residence in Bhuntar, Himachal Pradesh, the NCB recovered an additional 80 grams of charas, the agency said.
The NCB subsequently filed a complaint under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, before the Special Judge, NDPS Court, Chandigarh, on June 12, 2019.
Following the trial, the court, in its judgment dated September 15, convicted all three accused. Joginder Singh and Anil Kumar were sentenced to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 1 lakh each. Raj Kumar alias Raju was sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000.
The NCB said the conviction reflects its continued efforts to tackle drug trafficking through sustained investigation and prosecution. The agency also reiterated its commitment to curbing narcotics smuggling and supporting the government's vision of a drug-free India.
The Bureau urged the public to report narcotics-related activities through the MANAS National Helpline at 1933, assuring confidentiality of informants' identities.
