The First District Sessions Court on Friday sentenced five persons to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh each under the NDPS Act, after they were found guilty of operating a ganja supply network.
First Additional District Judge C. Satyavani delivered the judgment after examining the evidence and witnesses. A sixth accused died during the course of the trial.
The convicts — J. Gangadhar (36), J. Swathi (34), Mekala Prasad (40), Sheikh Gousiya (44), and Sheikh Hajivali (28), all from Anantapur — were arrested in July 2020 after police seized 52.5 kg of ganja from their possession. Following the arrests, the Special Enforcement Bureau conducted raids at various locations based on credible information. The IV Town police registered a case and filed a charge-sheet, led by the then Circle Inspector R. Pratap Reddy. Special Public Prosecutor Lakshminarayana argued the case.
Superintendent of Police P. Jagadeesh appreciated the police personnel and court liaison teams for ensuring timely witness production and effective prosecution, leading to the conviction.
Published – November 21, 2025 06:35 pm IST
