Mumbai: A special NDPS court today convicted
four persons for allegedly possessing narcotics with an
intention to sell it.
While three of the convicted accused were sentenced to
ten years imprisonment, the fourth accused Shabbir Shaikh, who
was earlier convicted on similar charges in a different case,
now faces the capital punishment.
According to the provisions of the NDPS Act, a person
found guilty twice under the act, is liable for death penalty.
"We would have to present our arguments before the
special NDPS court for enhancement of punishment. Under
section 31 (A) of the NDPS Act, the accused now faces the
possibility of capital punishment," special public prosecutor
S K Menon said.
The four accused - Shabbir Shaikh, Mohammad Yunus
Shaikh, Suresh Pandey and Pratap Gawanekar - were arrested on
August 20, 2005 from an apartment in suburban Malad by the
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
The NCB seized 4.5 kg of Mandrax tablets and 65 kg of
other narcotic powder. It was alleged tat the accused used to
manufacture the contraband and then bring it to the city for
selling.
The prosecution examined 25 witnesses to prove their
case. According to the prosecution, Shabbir was arrested in
1992 for allegedly possessing drugs. He was convicted in 1997
and released in 2004 after serving the term.
PTI
