(1.) These two bail applications have been filed by the same petitioner in respect of two accused persons involved in the same case i.e. Criminal NDPS Case No. 8 of 2023 pending before the Court of the learned Special Judge (NDPS), Nongpoh, Ri-Bhoi District, and as such are taken up by passing a common order.
(2.) The case relates to seizure of contraband substance made by Customs officials who, on receipt of reliable information had intercepted a Maruti Alto vehicle bearing Registration No. ML05 Q 6794. Following such lead, the said group of Customs officials followed the occupants of the said vehicle No. ML 05Q 6794 and at about 3:00 AM on 24/5/2023, the vehicle was asked to stop but on the said order not being complied with and was speeding away, the officers chased the vehicle and managed to intercepted it at Bhoirymbong market. On checking the vehicle, four persons were found as occupants and on being questioned they agreed to lead the officers to the exact place where they have hidden the contraband substance.
(3.) On reaching Liarbang Village, the said persons led the officers to a forested area where twenty-four packets of compressed blocks wrapped in brown paper suspected to be ganja were found. On due procedure being followed as far as search and seizure is concerned, the contraband substance was removed from the place it was found to the custody of the Customs officials.