10-yr RI for convicted drug trafficker
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 24 2025: The Special Court (ND&PS), Manipur, has sentenced one Lunkhongam Haokip (43) to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh after finding him guilty under Section 21(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in connection with a 2022 case registered with NAB police station.

Judge Mona Lisa Maibam delivered the sentence on Thursday after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence.

The convict was produced via video conferencing from Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, where he has been in custody since arrest.

The total custody period of 1,012 days will be commuted from the total sentence period.

During the sentence hearing, special public prosecutor M Raichand Singh urged the court to impose maximum penalty, citing gravity of drug issues in the state.

He argued that no leniency should be shown in such cases.

In his defence, advocate Md Jamil pleaded for leniency, stating that the convict had no prior criminal record and is the sole breadwinner of his family, which includes three minor children, an ailing wife suffering from psychiatric and lung ailments, and an aged father with multiple health issues.

He also highlighted that his client earns his livelihood by selling firewood and has potential for reformation.

After considering the submissions and reviewing the case records, the court ruled that the minimum prescribed sentence under Section 21(c) would serve the interest of justice.

In addition to the 10-year sentence, Lunkhongam Haokip was directed to pay the Rs 1 lakh fine within six months.

Failure to do so will result in an additional one-year simple imprisonment.

The court also directed that necessary medical facilities be provided to the convict and issued a warrant of commitment in accordance with the relevant provisions.

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