Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 2: A citizen of Ghana, Chigozie Francis Christopher (37), who had overstayed the visa term in India illegally, and who was accused of drug peddling, was handed down two years rigorous imprisonment (RI) and fine of Rs 15,000 by the chief district and sessions court here on Monday January 1.

Christopher had been arrested on January 16, 2017 from Lobo Road near St Agnes Institutions, Bendore in the city when trying to sell cocaine, a  banned drug. He was arrested by the city crime branch unit of the city headed by police sub-inspector, Shyam Sundar. 11.5 grams of cocaine worth Rs 5.5 lac had been seized from his possession. It also came to be known then that Christopher was overstaying his visa period.

The accused was booked under Indian Penal Code section 21 (B) and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act,   section 14 of Foreigners Act, and Passport Act. Kadri police inspector, Maruti G Nayak, had filed charge sheet in the court.

Judge of the court, K S Beelagi, who conducted hearing in the case, concluded that charges levelled under Passport Act and Foreigners Act against the accused have been proved. He pronounced the quantum of punishment on Monday. At the same time, the accused has been absolved of charges under the drugs act as this charge was not conclusively proved.

Chief public prosecutor, Pushparaj Adyantaya Kudriya, had argued the case on behalf of the prosecution.