Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 29: Principal Sessions Judge Ramban Haq Nawaz Zargar today awarded 10 years rigorous imprisonment to a narco smuggler Abid Ahmed Sofi.
After hearing both the sides, the court observed, “the consequences of narcotics on the health of the general public are disastrous and can cause even death. The danger of narcotics has engulfed not only the metropolitan cities but this far flung and hilly areas of our country also stands badly influenced with this vice”.
“The unwarranted growth of drug menace, if not checked by its stakeholders including the general public, it will be going to spread its tentacles to every nook and corner of our society and it is not far when majority of our population will be under direct threat from this vice particularly the younger generation who has a long way to go”, the court said.
“If the menace of drug abuse, its transportation, smuggling and use, is not checked at this point, the effect will be disastrous. These drug mafia had not spared even the educational institutions, the colleges, the schools, tuition centers, being vulnerable points, became the easy targets. The continuous use of drugs makes any person’s life a living hell not for himself but for all his near and dear ones”, the court further said.
With these observations, Principal Sessions Judge ordered that the convict namely Abid Ahmed Sofi, son of Gul Muhammad Sofi of Khannabal Anantnag will undergo rigorous imprisonment for a period of 10 years and to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh for an offence under Section 8 read with Section 15 (C) of the NDPS Act.
In default of the payment of fine, the convict shall undergo simple imprisonment for a further period of one year.