PANAJI
The Special Court, Merces, has framed charges against two youths from Maharashtra in connection with the seizure of nearly 30 kg of suspected ganja worth around Rs 30 lakh.
The accused, identified as Sukdev Koli (21) and Ravindra Bhil (24), will now face trial under Section 20(b)(ii)(C) read with Section 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for alleged possession and transportation of a commercial quantity of ganja.
As per the case details, the Crime Branch had conducted a pre-dawn raid near Duler Petrol Pump, Mapusa, between 1.40 am and 6.30 am on June 11, 2025, acting on specific information received by the police.
The prosecution stated the accused were caught red-handed while allegedly transporting 29.671 kg of greenish flowering and fruiting tops suspected to be ganja, concealed in a white car bearing Maharashtra registration number MH-05-BM-2020.
The investigation team had earlier stated that apart from the suspected narcotic substance worth around Rs 30 lakh, they had also seized a mobile phone valued at Rs 10,000, Rs 370 cash and the vehicle used for transportation, taking the total seizure value to Rs 40.10 lakh approx.
During arguments on framing of charges, the defence submitted that the chemical analysis report confirming the seized substance as ganja was still awaited and argued that there was insufficient material to establish conscious possession, particularly against Bhil, who was allegedly driving the vehicle.
The prosecution, however, argued that a field test conducted on the spot had returned positive for ganja and that both accused were found inside the vehicle from which the contraband was recovered.
The court observed that the search and seizure records, statements of witnesses and other documents produced along with the chargesheet prima facie established the offence under the NDPS Act. Holding that a prima facie case was made out, Special Judge Vijaya Ambre ordered that charges be framed against both accused, who are currently in judicial custody at Colvale Central Jail.
