Accused remanded
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 31 2018:
An individual who was nabbed by Narcotic Control Bureau, Imphal and 54 BSF in connection with smuggling 5 kgs of unprocessed opium inside his Maruti van, was remanded to police custody by Special Judge W Tonen Meitei, NDPS Fast Track Court Manipur.
The Court also directed the State Government to confiscate the van as per the law.
The accused, identified as Thounaojam Lemba Singh (41) s/o Kalamu of Uripok Bachaspati Leikai, was arrested by the combined team on February 22, 2016, near a Litan bridge, Heirok, along with three packages of opium hidden under the driver's seat of his van.
Following his arrest, a case was taken up against him under the NDPS Act 1985 at the NDPS Fast Track Court.
Altogether 5 prosecution witnesses were examined/cross examined and the statement of the accused was recorded as well.
As per the disclosure of the accused, the opium was supplied to him by one Mina Khan (60) from Lilong for transportation to Heirok.
He also claimed that he was a second hand garment seller and he had agreed to transport the drugs for Rs 3000 as he needed the money for medical treatment.
According to a reliable source, the Court convicted Lemba under Section 1(C) of the NDPS Act 1985.During the hearing today, Lemba was remanded to police custody and directed the SP of Manipur Central Jail Sajiwa to bring the accused to the Court on January 5 for the sentence hearing.
The Court also directed the State Government to confiscate the van belonging to the accused.