8 Pakistani Nationals Jailed for 20 Years
In a significant drug trafficking case, a special court in Mumbai has sentenced eight Pakistani nationals to 20 years in prison for their involvement in smuggling over 232 kg of heroin valued at approximately Rs 6.96 crore. The drugs were seized by the Indian Coast Guard in 2015, off the Gujarat coast.
The accused were convicted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Special Judge Shashikant Bangar handed down the maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on each convict.
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The incident occurred in 2015 when the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a boat carrying the illegal drugs. Upon investigation, authorities found 11 drums containing 20 plastic pouches filled with a wheatish-brown powder, which was confirmed to be heroin. The accused were also in possession of three satellite phones, GPS navigation charts, and other electronic devices. They were later handed over to the Yellow Gate police in south Mumbai for further legal proceedings.
Special Public Prosecutor Sumesh Punjwani argued for the maximum punishment, emphasizing the importance of deterring future drug traffickers. The defence, however, pleaded for leniency, but the court chose to impose the maximum sentence, calling it a strong message against the drug trade.
