Two sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for heroin trafficking in Raipur

The case pertains to the Gudhiyari police station area, where the accused were found running a network supplying heroin to young customers, including college students and working professionals. According to the prosecution, Kashmir Singh alias Seera used to procure heroin from outside states and transport it to Raipur, while Shadika Begum distributed the drug locally.

Special Public Prosecutor Bhuvanlal Sahu said the case came to light on January 25, 2025, after Gudhiyari police received a tip-off that a woman was selling heroin from her house near Durga Chowk in Bada Ashok Nagar. Acting on the information, police conducted a planned raid in the presence of witnesses.

During the search, officers recovered 31.12 grams of heroin, an electronic weighing machine, a mobile phone and ₹25,500 in cash from Shadika Begum’s possession. During interrogation, she disclosed that she sourced the drug from Kashmir Singh and handed over the proceeds to him after sales.

Further investigation led police to Kashmir Singh, who was found hiding in a truck on Ring Road No. 2. The vehicle was intercepted, and on his identification, police seized 22.19 grams of heroin, ₹35,500 in cash and a mobile phone from a concealed box inside the truck.

All seized substances were tested using an FSL kit at the spot and later confirmed as heroin through forensic examination at the Raipur laboratory.

While pronouncing the sentence, Special Judge Kiran Thawait observed that drug-related crimes pose a serious threat to society and the nation. Considering the quantity of heroin recovered and the circumstances of the case, the court ruled that leniency was not warranted.

The court convicted both accused under Sections 21(b) and 29 read with Section 21(b) of the NDPS Act, sentencing them to five years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposing fines. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional six months’ imprisonment.

Police officials termed the verdict a significant success in the fight against narcotics and said enforcement against drug networks would continue.