Early Times Report JAMMU, Feb 27: The Special Judge (NDPS Cases), Jammu, Parvaiz Iqbal, has sentenced Nawaz Ahmad Dar and Mohd. Altaf to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment each and imposed a fine of ?1,00,000 each (with six months' RI in default) in a case relating to the recovery of 23 kilograms of charas from a truck intercepted at Ban Toll Plaza, Nagrota. According to the case record, the NCB Jammu team stopped truck No. JK03G-5236 while it was coming from Srinagar towards Jammu, and recovered 18 packets from the cabin area. The substance tested positive for charas and, after mixing and weighing, the net recovered contraband was found to be 23.00 kg. During sentencing, the Court noted the serious societal impact of drug trafficking, observing that undue leniency cannot be shown as the menace is "at an alarming" level, particularly affecting youth. At the same time, the Court considered mitigating aspects-such as the convicts being first-time offenders, their young age, and the period already spent in custody-before awarding the statutory minimum sentence of 10 years' RI along with fine, while granting them set-off under Section 428 CrPC. The prosecution was represented by Special PP Ajay Singh Manhas, while the defence was led by Prince Khanna. (JNF) |