Heavy Recovery Of Drugs Blocks Bail Plea
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has denied bail to 17 individuals linked to a major drug racket in Punjab. The Court ruled that long custody alone does not justify bail when the recovery of drugs is massive.
Details of the Drug Racket
The accused were booked under a 2020 FIR. Authorities alleged they formed a criminal network to procure intoxicant tablets and narcotic substances from other states and distribute them across Punjab’s villages.
Massive Drug Seizure Noted
Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu highlighted that the recovery was not just commercial but extremely heavy. It included over 3 crore intoxicant tablets and capsules, 15 kg 70 gm of loose tablets, drug money worth ₹9.35 lakh, six vehicles, and 10 mobile phones.
Interstate Conspiracy Indicated
The Court noted that authorities arrested some accused in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi. This indicated a large-scale conspiracy involving manufacturing, supply, and distribution of illegal drugs across states.
NDPS Act Provisions Applied
The case involved offences under Sections 21, 22, 25, and 29 of the NDPS Act. Section 37 of the Act overrides the CrPC. This allows courts to grant bail in commercial quantity cases. When they find that two specific conditions are met.
- The accused is not guilty.
- The accused is unlikely to reoffend.
The Court emphasized that the accused must satisfy both conditions together, not separately.
Prosecution Making Steady Progress
The Court noted that 54 prosecution witnesses have already testified. The trial is progressing normally, and there are no delays from the prosecution. It also observed that the accused have criminal histories and are habitual offenders.
Court Directs Swift Trial
While rejecting the bail pleas, the Court directed the Special Court to conduct the trial expeditiously and avoid unnecessary adjournments.
