PANAJI
A Lebanese national, once accused of drug possession, has been acquitted. However, instead of walking free, Nouh Ahmad faces deportation, as he lacks valid travel documents. Until then, the Additional Sessions Court at Mapusa has ordered that he be lodged in the detention centre.
The 25-year-old, residing in Siolim, was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) for allegedly possessing 1.602 grams of LSD papers, valued at approximately Rs 5 lakh. The raid was conducted at his temporary residence in Siolim in February 2020.
Following his trial, Judge Sharmila Patil pointed out major discrepancies in the case and ruled that the evidence presented by the police was unreliable.
“Although the prosecution has proved that the seized articles/contraband were kept at the ANC Police Station and the prosecution has been successful in proving that there was no tampering of the said exhibit, which was forwarded for chemical analysis and tested positive for LSD, the prosecution has failed to prove any nexus between this contraband and the conscious possession of the accused. The prosecution has failed to prove the link between the contraband attached and the accused found in the house where the raid was conducted,” the court stated in its acquittal order.
“The prosecution has failed to bring home the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.”
Despite the acquittal, the court ordered that the foreigner be lodged at the Detention Centre, as he does not possess a valid passport and visa.
He will remain at the Centre until the appeal period concludes, after which the police must arrange for his deportation.
“The accused stands acquitted of the offences punishable under Section 22(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The accused shall be lodged in the Detention Centre in Goa. The Investigating Officer and FRRO shall, after the appeal period is over, take all necessary steps to deport the accused to his country,” the court ordered.
