A court in Vizianagaram district has delivered a significant verdict, sentencing five individuals to rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in the illegal trade of ganja. The conviction under the stringent NDPS Act marks a decisive step in the fight against drug trafficking in the region.
The Conviction and Sentencing
The Judicial Court in Vizianagaram pronounced a sentence of 18 months of rigorous imprisonment for each of the five convicts. In addition to the jail term, the court imposed a financial penalty, ordering each individual to pay a fine of Rs 10,000. The ruling was made under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which mandates strict punishment for offenses related to banned substances.
The convicted persons have been identified as B Venkateswara Rao, M Shanthi, G Mastani, Babu Singh, and A Prasad Rao.
Details of the Crime and Arrest
The case dates back to July 2024, when the Vizianagaram police successfully intercepted a drug trafficking operation. The five accused were apprehended in the vicinity of the Vizianagaram town railway station.
Upon search and investigation, the police recovered a substantial quantity of illicit material. The seized contraband was approximately 8 kilograms of dry cannabis (ganja). The location of the arrest, near a major transit point like the railway station, highlights the methods often used in the distribution of illegal drugs.
Police Appreciation and Effective Prosecution
Following the conviction, the Vizianagaram police officially acknowledged the diligent work of their teams. They extended appreciation to the investigation team and the court liaison teams for their critical roles in building a strong case.
The police emphasized that the successful outcome was a direct result of timely witness production and effective prosecution. This coordinated effort between the investigating officers and the legal teams ensured that the guilty were held accountable, sending a strong message against drug-related crimes in the district.
This case underscores the continued vigilance of law enforcement agencies in Andhra Pradesh in enforcing the NDPS Act and curbing the narcotics trade.
