New Delhi: The conspiracy to transport charas from Himachal Pradesh to big cities of the country via Chandigarh was finally exposed in the court. Almost eight years after the action of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chandigarh Zonal Unit, the court has convicted three accused involved in the case.
car stop search
The matter is of 18 December 2018. The NCB team had stopped and searched a Hyundai Verna car near Khuda Lahaura bridge on the Himachal Pradesh-Chandigarh border. 16.5 kg hashish was recovered from the car. Kullu resident Joginder Singh and Mandi resident Anil Kumar were arrested from the spot.
additional hashish recovered
As the investigation progressed, the name of Kullu resident Raj Kumar alias Raju also came to light. According to NCB, he along with other accused was associated with the network of supplying charas to Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru and Chennai. The recovered hashish consignment was to be sent to Mumbai. Raj Kumar was arrested on 20 December 2018 and an additional 80 grams of hashish was recovered from his house in Bhuntar.
Complaint filed in special court
NCB filed a complaint against the trio in the special court under the NDPS Act on June 12, 2019. Now in the judgment dated 15 September 2026, the Special Judge, NDPS Court, Chandigarh convicted all three.
Joginder Singh and Anil Kumar were sentenced to 12 years rigorous imprisonment each and a fine of Rs 1 lakh each, while Raj Kumar alias Raju was sentenced to one year rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000.
NCB said
NCB said that investigation and prosecution action will continue to tighten the noose on the drug network. An appeal has been made to the common people to give information about drug trafficking on Manas National Helpline 1933. The identity of the person giving information will be kept confidential.