The Telangana High Court has granted bail to an accused in a narcotics smuggling case registered at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), observing that the seized substance falls under the category of intermediate quantity and that the petitioner has remained in custody for over a month with most of the investigation already completed.

The bench of Justice K. Sujana observed that the total ganja seized (9,200 grams) is an intermediate quantity, much below the commercial quantity threshold under the NDPS Act. The petitioner has been in custody since 27.10.2025. A substantial portion of the investigation has already been completed.

According to the case records, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs at RGIA intercepted two Indian nationals—Accused No. 1 and Accused No. 2—who arrived from Bangkok on Thai Airways flight TG-329. Based on passenger profiling, officers suspected they were carrying narcotic substances.

A search of their baggage led to the recovery of 9,200 grams of ganja, allegedly concealed inside polythene packets placed within their clothing. Officials seized 4,600 grams from each accused in the presence of independent witnesses and registered a case under Sections 20, 23 and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The petitioner has been in judicial custody since October 27, 2025.

The petitioner argued that the quantity recovered from the petitioner—4,600 grams—constitutes intermediate quantity under the NDPS Act. The accused has been falsely implicated. All key witnesses have been examined, and continued detention serves no purpose. The petitioner has already spent more than a month in custody.

On the other hand, the Standing Counsel for the CBIC, opposing bail, contended that even though the contraband is categorized as intermediate quantity, it is a high-value narcotic. The investigation is still in progress. Granting bail at this stage may impede further inquiry.

The Court found it appropriate to grant bail subject to various conditions.

The Court directed that the petitioner be released on bail subject to the Execution of Personal Bond of ₹50,000 with two sureties for a similar amount. Bond to be furnished before the XXV Additional Judicial Magistrate, Rajendranagar, Ranga Reddy District. The petitioner must surrender his passport and cannot apply for a new one without the Court’s permission. Must appear before the concerned SHO every Monday at 11:00 a.m. for eight weeks or until the charge sheet is filed, whichever is earlier. The petitioner must refrain from tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses, or participating in similar offences.

The Court allowed the criminal petition and ordered the release of the petitioner on bail, while clarifying that all pending miscellaneous petitions stand closed.

Case Details

Case Title: Adnan Ali Versus The Superintendent of Customs (Preventive)

Case No.: CRIMINAL PETITION No.15494 of 2025

Date:  02.12.2025

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