Tue May 20 15:55:25 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A special court in Madurai, India, has sentenced nine people to prison for smuggling 32 kg of ganja in 2022. Six received 12-year sentences, and three received 10-year sentences. All were also fined ₹1 lakh each. The charges were related to a police seizure of 36.20 kg of ganja from multiple vehicles in Dindigul district. Ten other accused were acquitted, and one died during the legal proceedings.
**News Article:**
**Madurai Court Hands Down Lengthy Sentences in Ganja Smuggling Case**
**MADURAI, INDIA – May 20, 2025** – A special court in Madurai has handed down significant prison sentences to nine individuals involved in a 2022 ganja smuggling operation in Dindigul district. The First Additional Special Court for Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act Cases sentenced six individuals to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment and three others to 10 years. All nine were also fined ₹1 lakh each.
The convicts, identified as T. Vairavan, M. Muthukaruppan, T. Sundrapandi, V. Naveena, K. Arjunan, S. Jalabaga Logeshwara Prasad (receiving the 12-year sentences), and S. Sheik Fareath, A. Dhivya, and S. Sheik Mohamed Rafeek (receiving the 10-year sentences), were found guilty of smuggling approximately 32 kg of ganja.
The case stemmed from a 2022 vehicle check near Thadikombu EB Colony, conducted by the Thadikombu police. During the check, authorities seized a total of 36.20 kg of ganja from three two-wheelers and one multi-utility vehicle.
Judge A.S. Hariharakumar presided over the case. While nine were convicted, ten other defendants were acquitted. One accused died during the pendency of the case. The ruling underscores the court’s commitment to combating drug trafficking in the region.
First Piper 