Early Times Report JAMMU, Feb 23: A Sessions Court in Jammu has rejected the bail application of Lakhwinder Singh, a resident of Punjab, in a case involving the seizure of a huge quantity of poppy straw, holding that the accused failed to satisfy the stringent conditions prescribed under the NDPS Act. The order was passed by the Court of Sessions/Special Judge (NDPS Cases), Jammu, in Crime No. 10/2025 registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Jammu. The accused had sought bail under Section 483 BNSS read with Section 38 of the NDPS Act, claiming false implication and contending that the rigour of Section 37 was not attracted. As per the prosecution case, the NCB seized 221.970 kilograms of poppy straw-commercial quantity-from a truck intercepted on October 2, 2025. During investigation, two arrested accused disclosed that Lakhwinder Singh was the intended receiver of the contraband. Acting on the disclosure, the NCB conducted a raid and recovered an additional 12.878 kilograms of poppy straw from a secret cavity of a car allegedly belonging to the accused. The Court observed that there was sufficient prima facie material to indicate the involvement of the accused in illicit drug trafficking and conspiracy. It further noted that the accused is a habitual offender facing multiple FIRs under the NDPS Act, raising serious apprehension that he may indulge in similar activities if released on bail. Holding that the accused failed to meet the twin conditions mandated under Section 37 of the NDPS Act, the Court dismissed the bail application as devoid of merit. (JNF) |