In a significant judgment delivered on August 01, the special court under the NDPS Act, Mumbai convicted South African national Mapoma Joseph Lemao for possession of 3.980 kg of heroin smuggled into India via Mumbai airport. He has been sentenced to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 1.50 lakh.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai Zonal Unit, had conducted an intelligence led operation and intercepted the accused at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai on 12th April 2022. Concealed heroin was found in modified cavities of his check-in luggage.
The investigation revealed links to an international trafficking syndicate involving handlers based in South Africa and Tanzania.
The conviction is based on clear physical recovery, forensic confirmation of heroin, and corroborative witness testimonies. It exemplifies NCBs relentless approach to prosecute members of transnational drug syndicates involved in drug trafficking in India.
