Bhubaneswar: The juvenile justice board court in Odisha’s Khurda has convicted one juvenile under section 21(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985.
This is the first such conviction of a minor in Odisha in an NDPS case.
The juvenile was found guilty by the Juvenile Justice Board Friday which sent him to a Special Home, Berhampur for three years for the offence.
The Board directed the Special Hine to provide reformative services including education, skill development, counseling, behavior modification therapy, psychiatric support, and treatment for the period of stay of child in conflict with law (CCL) in the Special Home.
This case relates to the seizure of contraband brown sugar 1.268 kilograms from the exclusive and conscious possession of accused persons August 12, 2021, an STF source said.
This is probably the first case where a juvenile has been convicted in an NDPS case in Odisha.
The STF of Odisha Crime Branch on the night of August 12, 2021, apprehended three accused persons along with the juvenile near Khurda Bus Stand and recovered 1.268 kilograms of brown sugar and other incriminating articles from them.
They were caught while dealing with brown sugar for their pecuniary gain.
After a successful investigation, a charge sheet was submitted against the accused persons U/S 21(c)/29 NDPS Act, 1985. During the investigation the seized brown sugar was also sent to SFSL, Rasulgarh for chemical examination and opinion was received affirmatively. During the trial, prosecution had examined 11 witnesses and 44 documents, the source added.
STF is the specialized wing of Odisha Police to curb organised crime in the state. Narcotic drugs are the main focus area of STF and it continues its drives against such drug peddlers.
UNI