Special NDPS Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna awarded the jail term to the duo, Uttpal Barman (20) and Rashmi (46), both hailing from Assam, after convicting them for the offence of possessing 'ganja' (cannabis) under section 20 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
"The convicts Barman and Rashmi have been convicted for the offence punishable under section 20 NDPS Act for having been found in conscious possession of 16.64 kg and 16.60 kg ganja (cannabis), respectively.
"Keeping in view the nature of facts of the case, the age and antecedents of convicts, I sentence both Barman and Rashmi to rigorous imprisonment for five years each and fine of Rs 25,000," the judge said.
According to the prosecution, both the accused were arrested on the evening of March 21 last year from near Kishan Ganj railway station here by a police team.
The police had arrested the duo who were hiding in the bushes and when the travel bags carried by them were searched, packets of cannabis were found inside, it said.
When the seized contraband was weighed, it was found that Rashmi was carrying 16.60 kg of the drug while Barman had 16.64 kg of it in his possession.
The counsel for the two convicts sought a lenient view from the court in the sentencing saying Barman is the sole bread winner in his family, while Rashmi had responsibility of looking after her husband and three minor children.
They also said they had not been involved in any other case prior to this one.
