Ludhiana’s special NDPS court pronounces verdict: Inter-state drug smuggler gets 10 years in prison, Rs 1 lakh fine

February 26, 2026

The Chandigarh Zonal Unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved significant success in the war against drugs in Punjab. On February 23, 2026, the Special NDPS Court in Ludhiana convicted Ajit Singh, an active drug trafficker in an interstate drug network, and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh. This decision is being seen as a stern warning to drug traffickers.

What was the whole case?

The case dates back to February 20, 2018. The NCB received information from a secret source that a large consignment of hashish was being delivered to Ludhiana. Acting swiftly, the NCB team laid a trap and apprehended Ajit Singh, a resident of Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir.

2.840 kg of hashish was recovered from his possession. After rigorous interrogation, Ajit Singh was found to have another accomplice in the city. The team immediately raided the Lucky Hotel in Ludhiana and arrested Shyam Lal (a resident of Kathua). 1.175 kg of hashish was recovered from him. Thus, in a single day, the NCB seized over 4 kg of hashish, disrupting the interstate smuggling network.

The 8-Year Trial

The NCB filed a charge sheet against both accused in court in August 2018. The case continued at its pace, but a major turning point occurred. Accused Shyam Lal died on November 20, 2025, leading the court to drop the legal proceedings against him. However, the case against Ajit Singh continued, and on February 23, 2026, based on the NCB’s thorough investigation and solid evidence, the Honourable NDPS Court found him guilty and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh.

The NCB said this is just the beginning.

The Chandigarh zonal unit of the NCB called this decision a milestone in the fight against drugs. The department has sent a clear message that this campaign will continue until the drug network is uprooted and no smuggler will be spared, regardless of their state of origin.