Belthangady: Man gets 5-year jail term for attempted ganja sale

Belthangady: Man gets 5-year jail term for attempted ganja sale

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, Apr 17, 2026: The District Special Principal and Sessions Court in Mangaluru has sentenced an accused in a case related to the attempted sale of banned narcotic substance ganja.

The case came to light on March 8, 2009, when the accused was caught trying to sell 1.500 kg of ganja worth approximately ₹50,000 at Rathabeedi in Ujire, Belthangady taluk. A case was registered at Belthangady Police Station (Crime No. 60/09) under Sections 8(c) and 20(b) of the NDPS Act.

After hearing the case, the presiding judge, Basavaraj, on April 10, 2026, convicted the accused, T.E. Joseph (42), a resident of Charmadi. The sentence was pronounced on April 16.

The court sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹50,000 under Section 8(c) read with 20(b)(ii)(B) of the NDPS Act. In default of payment of the fine, he will have to undergo an additional two months of rigorous imprisonment. Additionally, he has been sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment under Section 32-B(f).

The case was investigated by then Police Sub-Inspector B.G. Subbapur Mutt of Belthangady Police Station, who collected the necessary evidence and submitted the charge sheet. The prosecution was effectively argued by Public Prosecutor Judith Olga Margaret Crasta.