Lucknow, Oct 10 (IANS) An Uttar Pradesh Special NDPS Court sentenced three drug traffickers to 10 years’ imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each in a case involving the seizure of 500 grams of Alprazolam here in 2022, a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) official said on Friday.
The Additional District and Sessions Judge at Lucknow convicted and sentenced Mohd. Raj, Mohammad Shafeek and Jangli alias Haseen, all residents of Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, on Thursday, the official of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)’s Lucknow Zonal Unit said.
The case dates back to November 16, 2022, when NCB, acting on specific intelligence, intercepted Mohd. Raj near Bhaisa Kund of Baikunth Dham in Lucknow, shortly after he had alighted from a bus, the official added.
A search led to the recovery of 500 grams of Alprazolam from a bag carried by him, the NCB official said in a statement.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the contraband had originated from Mathura and was being transported to Barabanki through Lucknow, it said.
The NCB established the involvement of Mohammad Shafeek as the intended receiver and Jangli alias Haseen as a co-receiver, thereby uncovering the roles of multiple persons in the drug supply chain, it added.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence establishing the involvement of the three accused and emphasised the seriousness of trafficking in commercial quantities of psychotropic substances, the NCB said.
After examining the evidence, the Court convicted all three accused and awarded 10 years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each.
The Court also found that the seized contraband was intended for sale.
The conviction underscores the importance of intelligence-led operations, sustained investigation and effective prosecution in bringing drug traffickers to justice, the NCB said.
The Bureau added that it remains committed to dismantling drug trafficking networks, identifying persons involved at different stages of the supply chain, and ensuring that offenders face legal consequences.
–IANS
rch/khz
