Delhi High Court Denies Bail in International Drug Trafficking Case

NCB Drug Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-09-29 22:15:30 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-12 21:03:58

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In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has rejected the bail pleas of two men allegedly involved in an international drug trafficking syndicate, emphasizing that ignorance of the nature of illegal substances is not a valid defence under Indian law. This decision comes as a stern warning to those engaged in the illicit drug trade, particularly in the context of a global network spanning South Africa and India.

The case involves a Nigerian national, Ekoh Collins Chidubem, and an Indian citizen, Pradeep Kumar Jha, who were arrested in May 2022. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) raided the Delhi office of DHL Express Pvt. Ltd., where they discovered two parcels containing a total of 750 grams of heroin. The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation where drugs were shipped from South Africa, with Jha acting as the consignee and facilitating the delivery to Chidubem in exchange for monetary gain.

Justice Ajay Digpaul, in his detailed order, highlighted the substantial evidence against the accused, including voluntary statements, bank transactions, call detail records (CDRs), and WhatsApp chats. The judge noted that the commercial quantity of drugs, the clandestine nature of the conspiracy, and the international scope of the operation warranted a strong legal response.

The court also addressed the argument of ignorance, stating that the petitioners' alleged unawareness of the contraband's nature could not absolve them of responsibility. This ruling sets a precedent, reinforcing the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and sending a clear message to potential drug traffickers. With the court's decision, the case will now proceed, likely leading to a full trial and further scrutiny of this international drug trafficking ring.

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