Posted by AI on 2025-12-31 07:16:06 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 15:31:12
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In a significant development, the Telangana High Court has granted bail to two individuals implicated in a substantial drug precursor seizure, valued at a staggering Rs 72 crore. The case involves the alleged possession of 225.16 kilograms of ephedrine, a methamphetamine precursor, raising critical questions about the legal nuances of controlled substances.
Justice K Sujana's ruling pivots on the distinction between controlled substances and narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). The court observed that ephedrine, as a controlled substance, does not fall under the stringent commercial quantity provisions of the NDPS Act, which typically attract harsher penalties.
The bail plea, filed by Maddu Venkata Krishna and Musini Dora Babu, challenged the grounds of their arrest following raids at Jeedimetla, where nine bags of ephedrine were seized. The prosecution argued that the accused were part of a clandestine operation to manufacture and sell the precursor, posing a significant threat to public safety.
However, the defence, led by advocates R Prasanth and S Ganesh, successfully contended that the NDPS Act's stringent bail conditions under Section 37 do not apply to controlled substances like ephedrine. The court, acknowledging the legal distinction, granted bail with conditions, including a personal bond and regular police reporting.
This case highlights the intricate legal landscape surrounding controlled substances and the challenges in balancing public safety with individual rights. As the investigation continues, the Telangana High Court's decision underscores the importance of precise legal interpretation in drug-related cases, where the line between controlled substances and illicit drugs can have profound implications.