Veraval court sentences 34-year-old to 10-year jail for possession of 17 kg charas

A Special NDPS Court in Veraval sentenced 34-year-old Shabbir Khariya to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the illegal possession of a commercial quantity of Charas.

The case dates back to a raid conducted on September 24, 2022, by the Special Operations Group (SOG) following a specific tip-off. According to the prosecution, Khariya was found in possession of 16 packets of Charas, totaLling 17.636 kilograms, concealed under fishing nets in a room at his residence in Hirakot Port, Sutrapada. The estimated market value of the seized narcotics was approximately ₹26.45 lakh.

During the trial, the prosecution presented seven witnesses and various documentary evidence, including Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports that confirmed the substance contained active cannabis components. The defense argued that the contraband was "unclaimed" material found on the seashore and that the police had falsely implicated Khariya. They further claimed procedural lapses during the search and seizure

Special court rejected the defence’s claims, stating that the prosecution had proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Under Section 22(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the court found Khariya guilty of possessing a commercial quantity of drugs.

Despite the defence's plea for leniency citing Khariya's responsibility toward his five children and elderly mother, the court emphasized the seriousness of the offense. Khariya was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹1,00,000.

Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional three months of simple imprisonment. The period he has already spent in judicial custody will be deducted from his total sentence.