The Telangana High Court has granted bail to the accused, Sabji Fazil Ahmed arrested for allegedly carrying 2 kilograms of ganja at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, observing that the seized quantity falls within the “intermediate category” and that prolonged custody and stage of investigation warranted relief.
The bench of Justice K. Sujana has observed that the quantity of ganja seized is intermediate, not attracting the stricter embargo applicable to commercial quantity. The petitioner had already undergone over six weeks of incarceration. The investigation had progressed to a considerable extent.
The petitioner, Mr. Sabji Fazil Ahmed, was intercepted on March 6, 2026, by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) while crossing the green channel at the airport. Upon examination of his luggage, officials allegedly recovered six vacuum-sealed packets concealed within cigarette covers, containing a green substance that field-tested positive for ganja.
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The total weight of the contraband was recorded as 2,000 grams (net), leading to registration of offences under Sections 20, 23, and 29 of the NDPS Act.
The petitioner argued that the accused was falsely implicated and had no prior involvement. The seized quantity of 2 kg constitutes an intermediate quantity, not commercial. The petitioner had been in custody since March 6, 2026. A substantial part of the investigation had already been completed.
On the other hand, the prosecution opposed bail, contending that the offences fall under the stringent NDPS Act. Investigation was still ongoing, particularly regarding the alleged international origin (Malaysia) of the contraband. Bail should not be granted at this stage.
Taking into account the nature of allegations, stage of investigation, and duration of custody, the Court found it appropriate to grant bail.
The Court granted bail subjected to execution of a personal bond of Rs. 25,000 with two sureties; mandatory appearance before the investigating authority every Wednesday at 11:00 AM for eight weeks or until filing of the charge sheet; compliance with statutory conditions under Section 437(3) CrPC (now Section 480(3) BNSS).
Case Details
Case Title: Mr. Sabji Fazil Ahmed Versus AIU
Citation: JURISHOUR-944-HC-2026(TEL)
Case No.: Criminal Petition No.5874 Of 2026
Date: 21/04/2026
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