Maritime Justice: Stiff Sentence for Drug Traffickers Sends Message to Enemy Nations

A court sentenced eight Pakistani nationals to 20 years for trafficking 232 kg of heroin. The verdict, intended as a warning against drug trafficking into India, included fines and emphasized the grave nature of the crime due to its potential impact on Indian soil. The convicts will be deported after serving their sentences.

In a significant ruling, a court sentenced eight Pakistani nationals to 20 years in prison for their involvement in smuggling 232 kg of heroin, worth Rs 6.96 crore, into India. The Indian Coast Guard seized the contraband off the Gujarat coast in 2015, leading to their arrest.

Special Judge Shashikant Bangar highlighted the seriousness of the crime, emphasizing that the ruling should be a deterrent to 'enemy nations' contemplating similar actions. The court discarded appeals for leniency made by defense attorneys, stressing the harsh penalties mandated by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Prosecutors underscored the potential domestic threat posed by the illegal drugs, pointing out the implications for rising criminal activities. Following the serving of their sentence, the convicts will be deported to Pakistan, concluding a case that underscores the scope of maritime jurisdiction over international waters when it comes to drug offenses.

(With inputs from agencies.)