A 62-year-old man from Mahim found guilty of possessing 115 grams of Mephedrone (MD) worth ₹17.25 lakh has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment by a special Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) court. This incident unfolded in April 2022 when Ahmad Husain Shaikh was arrested by the Worli unit of Mumbai police’s anti-narcotics cell.
Encounter at Mori Road in Mahim West
The events leading to Shaikh’s conviction began on April 13, 2022, when a police patrol team encountered him at Mori Road in Mahim West around 8:40 pm. Suspicious of his behavior and the white nylon bag he was carrying, the police decided to conduct a search. This search revealed that Shaikh was in possession of 115 grams of MD, intended for sale to clients in Mumbai, as stated by him during police interrogation.
Evidence and Legal Proceedings
During the legal proceedings, special public prosecutor SS Panjwani presented testimony from police officers, panch witnesses, and documentary evidence to establish Shaikh’s guilt. The chief examination of the police inspector from the Worli anti-narcotics unit highlighted Shaikh’s attempt to flee upon spotting the police before his arrest. Despite the defense’s claim of false implication and improper handling of the case under the NDPS Act, the court ultimately found the prosecution’s case compelling.
Verdict and Sentencing
Following a thorough review of the evidence presented, the court ruled in favor of the prosecution. Special sessions judge SE Bangar emphasized that Shaikh was consciously in possession of 115 grams of MD, a significant quantity of a psychotropic substance. The court further noted that procedural safeguards under the NDPS Act were meticulously followed, and the chain of custody remained intact throughout the investigation.
In response to the defense’s request for leniency due to Shaikh’s age and prior imprisonment, the court emphasized the seriousness of crimes related to illicit drug trafficking. Given the commercial quantity of MD in Shaikh’s possession, the court deemed a harsh sentence necessary. Consequently, Shaikh was sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of ₹1 lakh in an order dated January 31.
Moving Forward
This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal repercussions individuals face when engaging in illicit drug activities. The stringent enforcement of laws related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances underscores the government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and ensuring public safety. As society continues to grapple with the challenges posed by drug abuse, the judicial system remains steadfast in its efforts to uphold justice and deter criminal activities that jeopardize the well-being of communities.
