Bombay HC Denies Bail to Accused Selling Charas-Laced Brownies, Expresses Concern Over Youth Drug Abuse

The Bombay High Court recently expressed concern regarding the physical and emotional risks of drug abuse among youth and adolescents while denying bail to a man accused of selling charas-laced brownies.

A single-judge Justice Anuja Prabhudessai observed that drug abuse among adolescents and young individuals poses significant risks of physical, psychological, and emotional disorders. She emphasized that the long-term effects of drug abuse not only impact the user but also have devastating consequences on the entire family.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), investigating the case, claimed that the accused primarily targeted youngsters as customers who allegedly purchased marijuana-laced brownies from him. The NCB further informed the Court that the accused operated through an online delivery platform called the WeFast App, taking orders and selling charas-infused brownies.

The accused was arrested during an NCB raid, where approximately 10 kilograms of charas-laced brownies were seized. Advocate Sharan Shirsat, representing the NCB, argued that witness statements indicated that the accused specifically targeted young and vulnerable victims, subjecting them to the deadly impact of substance abuse.

On the other hand, Advocate Taraq Sayyed, representing the accused, highlighted a discrepancy in the seizure procedure conducted by the NCB. He requested bail for the accused, noting that he was a young individual with no prior criminal record and had been in custody since July 12, 2021. Sayyed also expressed concerns about the backlog of pending cases and the possibility of a delayed trial.

However, the judge rejected the bail plea, stating that the allegations against the accused were prima facie established. Consequently, the bar on granting bail under Section 37 of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) would apply.

Justice Prabhudessai also expressed apprehension that the accused might continue the online sale of charas-laced brownies to students and adolescents, leading her to reject his bail application.