Mumbai Court Sentences Eight Pakistanis to 20 Years for Major Heroin Smuggling Case

INIndia|

A Mumbai special court has sentenced eight Pakistani nationals to 20 years in prison for their involvement in smuggling over 232 kilograms of heroin off the coast of Gujarat in 2015. The court, presided over by Special Judge Shashikant Bangar, delivered this maximum punishment under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, deeming it necessary to act firmly against drug trafficking.

The accused were apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard while aboard a boat carrying drugs estimated to be worth nearly ₹7 crore (approximately $840,000). The operation revealed 11 drums containing 20 plastic pouches filled with a brown powder, which was confirmed to be heroin through testing. Additionally, the confiscated items included three satellite phones and GPS navigation equipment.

Special Public Prosecutor Sumesh Punjwani advocated for the harshest penalties, emphasizing the need for a deterrent effect on potential drug traffickers. The defense sought leniency for the convicts, but the court upheld the severity of the actions and refused to grant a lesser sentence.

This ruling highlights the ongoing efforts of Indian law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in the region.

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