Zubair Derakshshandeh, a foreign national who was booked on a vessel from which huge quantities of alleged narcotic substances were seized, was acquitted by a trial court here on Wednesday.
The Additional District and Sessions Judge 7, Ernakulam, found the accused not guilty of offences booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act by the Narcotics Control Bureau. The court, which set him at liberty, directed the prison authorities to take steps to deport him to his home country if his presence was not required in any other case.
The prosecution case was that 2,500 kg of methamphetamine was seized from the vessel from which Derakshshandeh was arrested. The Indian Navy, which arrested him and seized the alleged contraband, had handed over the case to the Bureau.
Published – January 16, 2025 12:01 am IST
