K.S.Garewal, J.

1. These are two appeals filed by Hawa Singh (Criminal Appeal No. 401-DB of 2000) and Raj Kumar (Criminal Appeal No. 627-DB of 2000) against their conviction by learned Special Judge, Sangrur on July 6, 2000 for having been found guilty under Section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act") qua the possession of 8.250 Kg of opium.

2. Hawa Singh of Pirthala Police Station Tohana, District Fatehabad (Haryana) and Raj Kumar of Bhantheri (Rajasthan) were travelling in Armada Jeep HR 20D/7454 on September 16, 1998. When the Jeep reached near T point Papra within the area of Police Station Moonak, District Sangrur, it was stopped by SI Sukhwinder Singh (PW-3) who was present there along with other police officials and Chanan Singh. The jeep was being driven by Raj Kumar while Hawa Singh was sitting by his side on the front seat. There was a bag lying between Raj Kumar and Hawa Singhs seat. SI Sukhwinder Singh (PW-3) informed the accused that he suspected that there was something suspicious in the bag which was required to be searched. He also told the accused that, if they desired, search could be conduc