Two get 15-year rigorous imprisonment in 141-kg ganja haul case

A Thrissur court sentenced two men to 15 years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹ 1 lakh each in connection with the seizure of 141 kg of marijuana from a car in Kodakara nearly five years ago.

Additional District and Sessions Judge-III GP Jayakrishnan pronounced the sentence after finding Tomjith, 31, of Keezhmad, Aluva, and Vincent, 35, of Choondi, Aluva, guilty in the case.

The seizure took place on August 27, 2021, on NH 544 near Apollo Tires in Kodakara, Perambra. A sub-divisional team led by the then Chalakudy Dy.SP CR Santhosh, along with Kodakara police, stopped the car heading towards Chalakudy from Kodakara and seized 141 kg of marijuana hidden inside the vehicle.

During the hearing, the prosecution told the court that the contraband was seized in strict accordance with the procedures prescribed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Samples of the seized substance were collected before the Chalakudy Magistrate and sent for chemical examination; This examination confirmed that the substance was marijuana.

The prosecution interrogated 15 witnesses and prepared nearly 50 documents to build the case against the defendant.