Editor
Diphu, July 28, 2023: In a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking, the Special Judge at NOPS Karbi Anglong, Diphu, pronounced the verdict in Dillai PS Case No. 12/2022 under sections 21(c), 27A, and 29 of the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. The accused, Lanahmai Stephen Thingao and Veipuh Prou, also known as Roku Baipu, faced charges related to the transportation and possession of a large quantity of heroin.
The case unfolded on the night of May 8, 2022, when authorities received information about the transportation of drugs from Dimapur to Assam through NH 36. Acting promptly, a Naka checking was set up on NH 36, near Dillai police station. At approximately 11:15 PM, the police stopped a black Maruti Ciaz, driven by Lanahmai Stephen Thingao (A1), with Veipuh Prou @ Roku Baipu (A2) as the passenger. During the vehicle search, a significant amount of suspected heroin, weighing 1995.29 grams, was discovered in the car's dickey.
The suspects were immediately taken into custody and charged under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. A formal FIR was lodged, and subsequent investigation led to the submission of a charge-sheet against the accused.
During the trial, the prosecution successfully proved that both A1 and A2 were in conscious possession of a commercial quantity of heroin, a crime punishable under Section 21(c) of the NDPS Act. As a result, the court convicted both accused and imposed a sentence of rigorous imprisonment for 10 years, along with a fine of Rs 50,000. In the event of default in paying the fine, they would serve an additional six months of simple imprisonment.
However, the prosecution's attempts to establish the accused's involvement in financing illicit drug trafficking (Section 27A) and criminal conspiracy (Section 29) were met with challenges. The court found no concrete evidence to substantiate these charges, leading to the acquittal of the accused under these sections.
The judgment came as a decisive blow against drug trafficking in the region and sends a strong message to those involved in such criminal activities. The sentenced accused will now serve their respective terms in detention, while authorities continue their efforts to curb the menace of drugs in society.
The courtroom atmosphere was tense as the verdict was announced, and the judge's ruling was met with a sense of justice served. The counsel for the accused is said to be considering their options for appeal. The sentence hearing was conducted on July 28, 2023, and the judge signed off on the judgment, officially concluding the trial.
The case serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and robust enforcement to combat drug trafficking and protect society from the scourge of illegal narcotics.