Ahmedabad NDPS Court Imposes 12-Year Sentence for Illegal Cough Syrup Stockpile
A special court in Ahmedabad has delivered a stern verdict in a narcotics case, sentencing a 30-year-old man to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment for illegally stocking and intending to sell cough syrup containing codeine phosphate. The court also imposed a hefty fine of Rs 2 lakh on the convict, emphasizing the severity of drug-related offenses.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
Mohammad Arif Saiyed, a resident of Allahnagar in Danilimda, Ahmedabad, was arrested in January 2024 after a raid by the Special Operations Group of the crime branch. During the operation, authorities seized 85 bottles of cough syrup, each containing 100 ml, with an estimated value of Rs 20,000. The bottles were found to contain codeine phosphate, a controlled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Key facts of the case:
- Saiyed had no permit or licence to stock or sell the cough syrup bottles.
- He was accused of selling the substances directly from his residence.
- Police invoked strict provisions of the NDPS Act against him due to the illegal nature of the stockpile.
Legal Proceedings and Acquittals
In addition to Saiyed, two other individuals, Salim Shaikh and Jamaluddin Shaikh, were initially arraigned in the case for allegedly conspiring with him to stock and illegally sell the cough syrup. However, the prosecution could not furnish sufficient evidence against them, leading to their acquittal by the court. This highlights the challenges in proving conspiracy charges in narcotics cases.
Court's Rationale for the Sentence
After finding Saiyed guilty under the NDPS provisions, the additional public prosecutor, D M Thakor, urged the court to impose the maximum punishment. Thakor argued that drug addiction is a growing menace ruining the youth of the country, with narcotics cases on the rise daily. He emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence to set an example for society.
During sentencing, special Judge V B Rajput remarked, "In all, 85 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine were seized from Accused No. 1 Mohammad Arif Saiyed. This substance is typically used for conditions such as cough, fever, and allergies. However, when such drugs are used as intoxicants, it becomes serious. Users can become addicted to these substances, and as a result, their family members also have to suffer the consequences of their addiction."
Broader Implications and Context
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Ahmedabad to combat drug trafficking and abuse. The use of cough syrups containing codeine phosphate as intoxicants has become a concerning trend, prompting stricter actions under the NDPS Act. The court's decision reflects a zero-tolerance approach towards such offenses, aiming to curb the spread of narcotics in the community.
Important takeaways:
- The sentence serves as a warning to those involved in illegal drug trade activities.
- It highlights the legal consequences of possessing and selling controlled substances without authorization.
- The acquittal of co-accused points to the necessity of robust evidence in securing convictions.
As Ahmedabad continues to address civic reforms and other urban challenges, this case adds to the city's legal landscape, demonstrating the judiciary's commitment to tackling crime and protecting public health.
