Gujarat Court Hands Down Harsh Penalties in Major Cannabis Trafficking Case

The Additional District and Sessions Court in Surat concluded a high‑profile narcotics case by sentencing two accused to ten years of rigorous imprisonment each, coupled with a fine of ₹100,000.

The defendants, identified as Sheikh Akil Sheikh from Malegaon, Maharashtra, and Ayaz Sheikh, a Surat resident, were linked to an organized network that ferried cannabis across state borders from Odisha to Gujarat. Their arrest stemmed from an NCB‑led raid on June 9, 2022 at Lindiyad village, situated near the Mithila Industries complex in Mangrol.

During the operation, officers discovered a Tata truck used to mask the movement of the narcotic. The drug was later transferred into a Mahindra Bolero pickup, where a search revealed 17 plastic bags totalling 523.45 kg of cannabis, packed in 101 individual packets and cleverly hidden beneath a consignment of pineapples.

The prosecution invoked several sections of the NDPS Act, 1985, reflecting the seriousness of organized drug smuggling. Following the court’s decision on October 3, 2026, NCB reiterated its appeal for community cooperation, reminding the public that tips can be submitted anonymously via the toll‑free number 1933.