UMA NATH SINGH, J.

1. This Criminal Appeal arises out of a judgment and order dated 15.5.2003 passed by learned Special Judge, Hoshiarpur, in Sessions Case no.11 of 1.8.2000, holding the accused-appellant guilty of offence under section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (for short `the Act) and sentencing him to undergo RI for ten years with a fine of Rs.1,00,000/-. In default of payment of fine, the appellant has been directed to undergo further one year RI.

2. The brief facts of the case giving rise to this appeal are that a police party headed by SI Raminder Singh SHO of Police Station, Dasuya, was patrolling from the Gharna Sahib bus stop to Village Bodal via the randhawa village bus stop in an official vehicle on 16.5.2000. When they reached near the Randhawa Sugar Mill gate, they saw an scooterist coming from the direction of the Randhawa bus stop. He instantly turned back the scooter on seeing the police vehicle. They were chased and stopped by the police party. Accused Gian Singh (since deceased) was driving the scooter no. PB-07-C-9578 and accused Tarsem Singh, the pillion rider, was holding a while colour plastic bag in his hand. Accus