Mumbai Court Sentences Eight Pakistani Nationals to 20 Years for Heroin Smuggling

MUMBAI: A special court in Mumbai has sentenced eight Pakistani nationals to 20 years in prison for their involvement in smuggling 232 kg of heroin off the Gujarat coast in 2015. The individuals were arrested after their unflagged vessel was detected by Coast Guard officials during a routine patrol on April 26, 2015.

The accused, including Alibaksha Khashkeli Sindhi, Maksud Akhtar Yusuf Masim, and others, initially claimed to be fishermen facing engine issues. However, authorities found no fish on board and instead discovered 11 drums containing heroin worth an estimated Rs 600 crore.

Special Judge S E Bangar delivered the verdict, highlighting that the men failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their possession of the drugs and illegal satellite phones. These satellite phones are banned for civilian use in both India and Pakistan.

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Despite the defense’s argument regarding the lack of jurisdiction, as the seizure occurred in international waters, the court upheld the legality of the proceedings, citing international conventions. Having already served nearly a decade in custody, the men will now spend an additional ten years in prison.