A local court in Ludhiana has sentenced four drug traffickers, including a married couple, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for possessing 98 kilograms of poppy husk. Special court judge Gurpreet Kaur also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on each convict.
According to the prosecution, in September 2015, police intercepted Shinderpal, his wife Sandeep, Charanjit, and Jagtar Chand near Gauspur Chowk after a high-speed chase. The accused, all residents of Talwandi Kalan, were found with the illicit haul hidden in a car.
During the trial, the defense argued for acquittal, claiming a lack of independent witnesses. However, the court cited a Supreme Court ruling that police testimony remains credible even in the absence of civilian observers. The judge held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Each convict faces an additional year of imprisonment if they fail to pay the mandated fines. The case highlights the judiciary's stringent stance against drug trafficking in Punjab, a region grappling with substance abuse.
The sentencing serves as a deterrent to others involved in the illegal drug trade. Legal experts note that the court's reliance on police testimony aligns with established precedents, ensuring that procedural technicalities do not hinder convictions in grave offenses.
