Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Oct 29: A drug peddler was on Tuesday October 28 convicted for trying to sell charas in the district, and sentenced to ten years of rigorous imprisonment. A fine of two lac rupees was also imposed on him.

Hameed T (33), resident of Katangere Gudde House in Uchchila near K C Road, Talapady, was found guilty of trying to peddle charas.

The judgement was delivered by district chief district and sessions judge Uma M G. In case of failure to pay up the fine, the guilty has been ordered to undergo an additional year of imprisonment.

Police inspector of coastal security police station, Mukund Nayak, and other staff had raided a spot in the beach at Somanatheshwara Extension in Someshwar village in the taluk on July 16, 2009, after getting information that charas was being sold there. They found Hameed, accompanied by another accused, Siddique (30), scouting for customers there. During checks, they found charas weighing 1.020 kg worth about four lac rupees in the possession of the above two. While Hameed was arrested from the spot, Siddique had succeeded in running away. The court has since absolved second accused, Siddique, of the charges.

Possession of intoxicating drugs in high quantities can be punished with jail term extending up to 20 years as per law. Public prosecutor, Pushparaj Adyantaya, had presented arguments and examined witnesses during the hearing of the case on behalf of the prosecution.