18 years after NCB seized 650 kg of ‘drugs’, six accused acquitted for lack of evidence

The NCB official told the court that he had written it on a piece of paper, which the lawyers said was not in compliance with the NDPS Act.

2 min readMumbaiUpdated: Aug 12, 2024 05:57 PM IST

The accused, most of whom are now senior citizens, were out on bail, with the trial taking nearly two decades to complete due to delays. (File Photo)

Nearly 18 years after 650 kg of drugs was seized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in the city, a special court acquitted six persons for lack of evidence.

The accused, most of whom are now senior citizens, were out on bail, with the trial taking nearly two decades to complete due to delays.

In 2006, the NCB claimed to have received information that two of the accused were going to be carrying illicitly produced 650 kg of anthranilic acid in a tempo. The controlled substance, usually used in perfumes, was also used as a precursor substance used to make other narcotic drugs.

When the tempo was seized by the officials, it was claimed that 650 kg of the substance was seized in 26 polythene bags. The NCB arrested six persons, claiming that they were involved in the conspiracy with different roles, including procurement, storage and delivery.

The accused through their lawyers Taraq Sayed, Bhumika Gada and Munira Palanpurwala, had said that procedure was not followed by the NCB during the seizure.
The lawyers had submitted that the NCB had to record the tip-off received about the drug and the accused in an information register.

The NCB official told the court that he had written it on a piece of paper, which the lawyers said was not in compliance with the NDPS Act.

The court agreed with this contention. It also said that there were many discrepancies in the evidence, including in statements of witnesses. “No bank record, conversations script or telephonic conversation evidence was brought by the complainant to prove the interconnection and conspiracy between all the accused,” the court said.

Sadaf Modak

Sadaf Modak is a distinguished Legal Correspondent based in Mumbai whose work demonstrates exceptional Expertise and Authority in covering the intricacies of the judicial and correctional systems. Reporting for The Indian Express, she is a highly Trustworthy source for in-depth coverage of courtroom proceedings and human rights issues. Expertise Specialized Role: As a dedicated Legal Correspondent, Sadaf Modak possesses deep, specialized knowledge of legal procedures, statutes, and judicial operations, lending immense Authority to her reports. Core Authority & Focus: Her work primarily centers on: Trial Court Proceedings: She mainly covers the trial courts of Mumbai, providing crucial, on-the-ground reporting on the day-to-day legal processes that affect citizens. She maintains a keen eye on both major criminal cases and the "ordinary and not so ordinary events" that reveal the human element within the justice system. Correctional and Social Justice Issues: Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom to critical areas of social justice, including writing extensively on: Prisons and Incarceration: Covering the conditions, administration, and legal issues faced by inmates. Juvenile Justice: Reporting on the complexities of the juvenile justice system and the legal rights of children. Human Rights: Focusing on fundamental human rights within the context of law enforcement and state institutions. Experience Institutional Affiliation: Reporting for The Indian Express—a leading national newspaper—ensures her coverage is subject to high editorial standards of accuracy, impartiality, and legal rigor. Impactful Detail: Her focus on trial courts provides readers with direct, detailed insights into the workings of the justice system, making complex legal narratives accessible and establishing her as a reliable and trusted chronicler of the legal landscape. Sadaf Modak's blend of judicial focus and commitment to human rights issues establishes her as a vital and authoritative voice in Indian legal journalism. She tweets @sadafmodak ... Read More

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