Srinagar/UNI: A court in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district has handed down a 20-year rigorous imprisonment sentence to two individuals convicted of narcotics smuggling.

The Court of Additional Sessions Judge delivered its verdict, imposing not only the lengthy prison terms but also a hefty fine of rupees two lakh for each of the two accused.

The convicted individuals, identified as Syed Ishfaq Shah and Khursheed Ahmad Gojar, both hailing from Jabdi Karnah, found themselves on the wrong side of the law after their arrest in connection with FIR No. 56/2019 at Police Station Karnah.

The arrests came in the wake of the recovery of a substantial 15-kilogram stash of brown sugar, obtained from the culprits following their confession in the Karnah area, as confirmed by Kashmir Zone Police.

Further investigation revealed that the duo had nefarious intentions to transport this narcotics consignment from Karnah to Punjab, indicating a wide-reaching narcotics network.

It was also established that both smugglers had procured the illicit substances from across the Line of Control (LOC) through a contact named Bashir Ahmad, who presently resides in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and happens to be a cousin of Khursheed Ahmed.

The law enforcement authorities conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the case, with legal proceedings expedited and conducted on a fast-track basis.

The Pairvi cells, established under the guidance of the Police Headquarters, played a pivotal role in ensuring the timely presence of witnesses and their testimonies during the legal proceedings.

This judgment serves as a resounding testament to the unwavering commitment of the criminal justice system in combatting narcotics smuggling and upholding the law.

The collaborative efforts between investigative agencies and legal counsel were instrumental in bringing these narcotics smugglers to justice.

The fight against the drug trade continues to be a top priority, and this ruling sends a strong message to those involved in such criminal activities that they will face severe consequences for their actions.