Bid to smuggle heroin to Sri Lanka; Two sentenced for 10 years

CHENNAI: Two men who were arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for attempting to smuggle 2 kg of Ganja by flight to Sri Lanka were sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment by a special court.

During the early hours of May 4, 2017, DRI sleuths had intercepted two passengers at Chennai International Airport before they boarded their flight to Colombo. On search of their hand baggage, the officials found 2 kg of heroin in their possession after which the two passengers- Mahin Abu Backer (43) of Nemilicherry in Thiruvallur district and Mohammed Meeran Rajuldeen (37) of Devakottai were arrested.

Despite the arguments put forth by the counsel for the accused, the special court held that the prosecution had proved their case beyond doubt.

Pointing out that Illicit drug trafficking is a serious threat to public health, safety and well-being of humanity and that the global society itself is facing serious consequences of drug abuse, which distorts health and fabric of society, the court said that drug abuse is considered to be originator for petty offences as well as heinous crimes, like smuggling of arms and ammunition and money laundering.

“Involvement of various terrorist groups and syndicates in drug trafficking leads to threat to the national security and sovereignty of States by way of Narco-terrorism.

Drug trafficking and abuse has continued its significant toll on valuable human lives and productive years of many persons around the globe. The illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances poses a serious threat to the health and welfare of the people and activities of persons engaged in such illicit traffic have a deleterious effect on the national economy as well, ” Additional special judge-1, J Juliet Pushpa said and sentenced both the accused to ten years imprisonment.

Both the accused were in judicial custody for five years. The court also imposed a total fine of Rs 4 lakh on them.