Pulwama March 25 : Abdul Hamid Bhat, a resident of Lelhara Kakapora, received a 10-year prison sentence under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act from the District Court Pulwama.
The judgment was based on the investigation initiated under FIR No. 42/2018, involving the possession of a significant quantity of narcotics, including 104.400 kgs of Ganja and 1.200 Kgs of Charras, classified as commercial quantity under the NDPS Act.
Despite pleas from Bhat’s defense counsel to consider mitigating circumstances, such as his conduct during the trial and his role as the sole provider for his family, the court stressed the severity of drug-related offenses and their societal impact.
Citing legal precedents, including Supreme Court judgments, the court emphasized the need for strict penalties to deter drug trafficking, particularly among vulnerable youth.
While acknowledging Bhat’s personal hardships, including the loss of both parents during the trial, the court imposed the minimum sentence of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment .Additionally, a fine of Rs.1,00,000 was imposed, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing the law and addressing drug-related crimes.
