LUCKNOW, February 12, 2026 – In a major win for India’s “Zero-Tolerance” policy against narcotics, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has secured a landmark conviction against an interstate drug syndicate. A Special NDPS Court in Bharuch, Gujarat, has sentenced four men to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment each for their involvement in a high-profile ganja smuggling operation.

The verdict, delivered on February 12, 2026, concludes a nearly eight-year legal battle stemming from one of the region’s largest drug seizures in recent history.

The 2018 Seizure: 600kg+ Ganja Intercepted

The case dates back to June 2018, when NCB officials intercepted a massive consignment at Zadeswar Chowkdi, Bharuch. Acting on intelligence, the agency recovered over 601 kg of ganja, a quantity classified as “commercial” under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Who are the Convicted Traffickers?

The court found the following individuals guilty of running an organized interstate network:

• Pramod Kumar & Shishupal: Residents of Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh.

• Manish Harish Bhai: A local operative from Bharuch, Gujarat.

• Kamal Lochan Shamal: Hailing from Ganjam, Odisha (identified as a key sourcing hub).

The investigation revealed a sophisticated supply chain: Odisha served as the cultivation source, Gujarat acted as the strategic transit point, and the final distribution was destined for markets in Uttar Pradesh.

Fines and Strict Penalties

In addition to the 15-year jail terms, the Special NDPS Court slapped a fine of Rs 1 lakh on each convict. Failure to pay the fine will result in extended incarceration, as per the stringent provisions of the NDPS Act.

“The professional handling of evidence and rigorous investigation over eight years ensured this outcome. This sends a clear deterrent message to organized crime syndicates,” an NCB official stated.

National Impact: Moving Toward a ‘Drug-Free India’

This conviction is part of a broader national crackdown on narcotics. The NCB has been increasingly successful in securing long-term sentences for “commercial quantity” seizures, reflecting a shift toward higher conviction rates through better forensic and legal follow-ups.

Help Fight the Menace: The NCB urges citizens to remain vigilant. If you have information regarding suspicious drug-related activities, report it anonymously via the MANAS Helpline (1933).

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