JUDGMENT

1. The judgment, dtd. 13/3/2009 in Sessions Case No.22 of 2007, on the file of Special Judge for NDPS Cases-cum-I Additional District & Sessions Judge, Ongole ("Special Judge" for short), is under the challenge in the present Criminal Appeal filed by the unsuccessful accused in the above said Sessions Case. The accused faced charge under Sec. 20 (b)(ii)(C) r/w 8(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act, 1985 ("NDPS Act" for short) before the learned Special Judge and he was found guilty of the charge and he was convicted and sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 10 years and to pay fine of Rs.1, 00, 000.00, in default to suffer simple imprisonment for two years.

2. The parties to this Criminal Appeal will hereinafter be referred to as described before the learned Special Judge for the sake of convenience.

3. The State, represented by Prohibition and Excise Inspector, Podili, filed a charge sheet in Crime No.114/2006-07 of Prohibition & Excise Station, Podili under Sec. 8(c) r/w 20(b)(i) of NDPS Act, alleging in substance that the scene of offence is situated at the house of accused in S.T. Colony, Podili. On receipt of credible information through ph