Judicial remand for "smack peddler" remanded to judicial custody

CHANDIGARH, Nov 25: Nigerian national Cyril Archbong alias Tony, allegedly possessing 2.57 kilograms smack -- valued at over Rs 2.5 crore, w...

CHANDIGARH, Nov 25: Nigerian national Cyril Archbong alias Tony, allegedly possessing 2.57 kilograms smack — valued at over Rs 2.5 crore, was remanded to judicial custody till December 8 by UT Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (Ist Class) B.C. Gupta, here today.

Pronouncing the orders in the open court, the ACJM observed that there was no justification in further remanding the accused to police custody. He also observed that the investigating officer’s absence in the courtroom indicated that he had no time to attend the proceedings even in important cases.

Appearing before the court, Tony stated that he was being implicated in the case following misunderstanding with the Manimajra SHO over "some issue". He, however, refused to elaborate upon his statement.

Allegedly involved in peddling narcotics in the City for the past few years, Tony was arrested by the Chandigarh Police on November 19 under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

According to the prosecution, the accused had allegedly been distributing smack to smaller peddlers after obtaining the same from Delhi.

Today, seeking police remand for the accused, the additional district attorney stated that he was required for further interrogation. The source, besides the spots where drugs were being sold in the City, were to be unearthed, she added.

Objecting to the prosecution’s plea, the defence counsel stated that further police remand for the accused was not justified as the accused had been thoroughly interrogated. He had remained in police custody for six days, the counsel added.