Thangkhanhau Zou, son of (L) Tutzathang Zou, of P Kamdou Veng, Churachandpur district was arrested with three kilograms of opium on October 31, 2015 from Okshongbung Lairenjam Leirak Machin near Citizen Club under Moirang, Bishnupur district by NAB Police Station, Imphal. On April 29 he was convicted by the Special Judge under section 18 (b) of the NDPS Act, 1985.

During the sentence hearing, Special PP pleaded the court to award a maximum sentence along with fine to the convict citing the offence “heinous”.

While, the defence counsel submitted that this is the first-time offence committed by the convict and now he is in a deep faith in Christianity, the minimum punishment and fine be given to the convict. Defence counsel further submitted that the accused is now 62 years old and has also diabetic for many years. Also further submitted that since the convict is from a poor family and hence, the fine mentioned in S. 18(b) of the ND&PS Act, 1985 be waived. Zou was 51 years of age when he was arrested.

After hearing the submission and considering the provision of section 18(b) of the NDPS Act, 1985, the court sentenced the convict to minimum 10 years with rigorous imprisonment and with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

The court further stated that the convict should give the fine within a period of five years from the date of the sentence, failing which he has to undergo further rigorous imprisonment for another six months.