Drug peddler faces death sentence
A 56-year-old man convicted for possession of drugs for a second time faces a possible death sentence.
A 56-year-old man convicted for possession of drugs for a second time faces a possible death sentence.
A special Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances court on Tuesday framed charges against Shabbir Shaikh under Section 31A, which provides for death penalty for second-time offenders.
The court convicted him for possessing narcotic substances — methaquolone powder and mandrax tablets — in 2005.
Shaikh was earlier convicted in 1997 for possessing 400 kg of methaquolone powder in 1992, for which he was sentenced to 10 years in jail.
On August 30, 2005, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested four men near Kurar village and seized 65 kg of methaquolone and 4.5 kg of mandrax tablets.
Special judge D.R. Shirsao explained the charges Shaikh, who pleaded not guilty before the court as a second-time offender. However, NCB counsel, SK Menon submitted the judgment copy of the 1997 conviction proving that he was a second time offender.
The court adjourned the case till the two policemen who handled the case are examined.