For the first time, two drug traffickers have been sentenced to imprisonment for up to one year without bail under the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PITNDPS Act).
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Minister incharge of Social Welfare, Paul Lyngdoh, explained that the PITNDPS Act provides for imprisonment of one to three years without bail for repeat offenders who continue trafficking dangerous substances. He said that this stringent punishment is aimed at repeated offenders involved in drug trafficking.
He added that of the nine ongoing cases, two have been convicted. The two individuals – Hubert Lamphrang Paliar of Pyndengrei and Pynhoi Nongtdu of Nartiang.
Lyngdoh noted that after assuming charge of the Social Welfare Department, along with the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home Affairs, an Advisory Board was established, led by a Rtd. High Court Judge, the establishment of this board is to review and issue such decisions, said Lyngdoh.
This marks the first instance of drug traffickers being sentenced under the PITNDPS Act in the state. Minister Lyngdoh stated that this punishment serves as a warning to others engaged in similar unlawful activities.
