Bhubaneswar, December 13: Bhubaneswar court has sentenced two drug peddlers to 20 years in prison and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh each. In case of non-payment, an additional one year of imprisonment will be served. The convicted individuals, Anil Kumar and Ganesh Saha, were found guilty under Section 20 (b)(ii)(c) and Section 29 of the NDPS Act (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act).

The verdict was delivered by Bandan Kar, Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bhubaneswar, after thoroughly examining 12 witnesses and 23 exhibits of evidence during the trial.

The case dates back to June 22, 2022, when the Special Task Force (STF) of Bhubaneswar registered a case against the accused. Anil Kumar and Ganesh Saha were traveling in an Eicher vehicle from Salur, Malkangiri, to New Delhi, carrying a significant quantity of Ganja hidden in the vehicle's inner chambers. STF personnel intercepted the vehicle on National Highway-16 near Gohira Square and seized 811 kg of Ganja along with the vehicle.

Special Prosecutor Rashmi Ranjan Brahma played a pivotal role in the case, successfully presenting evidence and securing the conviction of the accused.