VANLALRUATI Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. K. Laldinliana, learned counsel for the appellant. Also heard Mr. Johny L. Tochhawng, learned Standing Counsel representing the respondent/Customs Department.

(2.) Challenge in this appeal is to the Judgment of Conviction dtd. 19/5/2022 along with the Order dtd. 20/5/2022 passed by the learned Special Judge, NDPS Act, Aizawl whereby the appellant/accused was held guilty of offence punishable under Sec. 22(c) of the NDPS Act and sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment of ten years with a fine of Rs.100,000.00 in default of payment of fine, she is to undergo another period of one year Rigorous Imprisonment, in connection with SR No. 164/2016.

(3.) The brief facts of the case is that on 13/5/2016, the Customs Division, Aizawl received specific information that one lady in Tata Sumo vehicle bearing No. AS 11 E 0345, travelling from Aizawl towards Silchar via Durtlang road was carrying some prohibited drugs. On receipt of such information, the Customs Officer proceeded towards Selesih, Aizawl and the vehicle was intercepted at Waiting Shed, Selesih. On being searched, some bundles containing maroon colour tablets suspected to be methamphetamine was recovered from the possession of a lady, who introduced herself as Smt. Vanlalruati, the appellant. On demand, the appellant could not produce any valid document to support her legal purchase, possession, transportation of the said goods which is in violation of Sec. 8(c) of the NDPS Act and punishable under Sec. 22(c) of the said Act. Thereafter, the accused was arrested and the case was registered. After completion of the investigation, the charge sheet has been laid against the appellant and trial was commenced before the Court of Special Judge, Aizawl.