Ranchi, June 25 (IANS) A court in Ranchi has sentenced two convicts to 18 years of rigorous imprisonment in a high-profile drug trafficking case involving the seizure of 1,184 kg of ganja in 2023.

The court of Additional Judicial Commissioner Omkar Nath Choudhary pronounced the sentence on Thursday after hearing arguments on quantum of punishment.

The convicted individuals, identified as Ganesh Choudhary and Anand Kumar, are currently lodged in Birsa Munda Central Jail, Hotwar, and were produced before the court for sentencing.

The court found both accused guilty under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. They were convicted for possession of commercial quantity of narcotics, using a vehicle for trafficking, and criminal conspiracy.

In each charge, the court awarded 18 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

The court clarified that all sentences will run concurrently, which means the convicts will effectively serve 18 years in prison.

The court also noted that failure to pay the fine would result in additional imprisonment.

The case dates back to 2023, when police received a tip-off about a truck allegedly being used to transport a large consignment of ganja. Acting on the information, the police intercepted the vehicle and recovered 1,184 kg of ganja during the search. The estimated market value of the seized contraband was around Rs 2.36 crore.

Both accused were arrested on the spot and sent to judicial custody, where they have remained since then.

Charges were formally framed against them on April 16, 2024. During the trial, the prosecution presented documentary evidence, witness testimonies, and scientific evidence before the court to prove the case.

Based on the evidence presented by the special public prosecutor, the court first held both accused guilty and subsequently announced the sentence.

The verdict is being seen as one of the harshest punishments handed down in recent years in drug trafficking cases in the state.

–IANS

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